IPL 9: Despite drought concerns, Bombay HC gives go-ahead for first match in Mumbai

New Delhi: The Bombay High Court on Thursday refused to stay the first Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants at the Wankhede in mumbai on April 9, despite water crisis in the state.

A division Bench headed by Justice VM Kanade were hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by NGO Loksatta Movement and others stated that as much as 60 lakh litres of water is proposed to be used for maintaining cricket pitches in the three venues that will host the IPL matches in Maharashtra.

However, according to reports, despite Maharsatra being parched, the HC will not postpone the match, as the respondent has made all arrangements and the PIL itself was filed at a late stage.

The court officials said that all arrangements has been made by BCCI for the match to be held on Saturday.

The court has asked the government to give a detailed reply by April 12. It has also asked the organisers to hold a meeting and take decision on other matches to be held in Maharashtra

The Bombay HC also slammed the state government asking what it has done and that the body is concerned about the larger issue.

With the petitioner asking for court to pass orders to restrain Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) from using water for preparing grounds, Justice Kanade had posted the matter for hearing today.

The petitioner was represented by lawyers Arshil Shah and Ankita Verma.

Earlier, the High Court had reprimanded MCA for the many litres of water it will use to prepare pitches for the world's richest cricket tournament at a time when large parts of the state are reeling under drought.

"How can you waste water like this? Are people more important or IPL? How can you be so careless," the court said while hearing a petition, and also, "This is criminal wastage. You know the situation in Maharashtra."

The MCA, in their defence, argued that it purchases water for its use and also that this water is non-potable or water you cannot drink.

The ninth edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 league is set to begin from April 9 with the first match to be played in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium while the opening ceremony will be held on April 8.

A total of 20 matches will be played in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. The final is also scheduled to be held at the Wankhede Stadium on May 29. The HC has now asked the government to inform them what they propose to do and the steps it plans to take in such a situation.