Kerala hopes to host 2-3 IPL matches this season

Kochi: Despite not having an IPL team this season, Kerala hopes to host at least two or three Indian Premier League matches, Kerala Cricket Association secretary T C Mathew, said on Tuesday.

A positive signal in this regard was given to Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy by IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla during their recent meeting at New Delhi, he told reporters here. Sports minister K Babu had informed him in this regard, Mathew said. At least two or three IPL matches are likely to be given to Kochi, he said, quoting Babu. BCCI had terminated the KTK franchise last year for breaching the terms of agreement after the franchise was unable to furnish a new bank guarantee. Mathew said he would meet the IPL Chairman at Delhi on January 11 to inform him about Kochi`s preparedness to host the matches. KCA has also requested BCCI President N Srinivasan to give Kochi two matches of Chennai Super Kings, he said adding no positive or negative response has been received so far. KCA is in the cluster of CSK, he said. The association is yet to receive about Rs 90 lakh from Kochi Tuskers Kerala, he said. PTI