The Sawai Mansingh Stadium, which is scheduled to host three matches for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League 2024, has been sealed along with the office and academy of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) by the Rajasthan Sports Council. This means that access to these facilities has been restricted or blocked off for some reason by the sports council.
Approximately one month prior to the commencement of the Indian Premier League, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and the office of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) have been closed off by the Rajasthan Sports Council. The Sports Council asserts that the state cricket body failed to meet its financial obligations, which encompassed settling outstanding payments. This closure suggests that access to these facilities has been restricted due to the unresolved financial matters between the RCA and the Sports Council.
In addition to sealing off the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, the Rajasthan Cricket Association’s (RCA) office and its academy have also been closed off. The secretary of the Rajasthan Sports Council, Sohan Ram Choudhary, issued a notice to the RCA requesting the handover of the property. However, the RCA failed to comply with this request, leading to the state sports council taking the action of sealing the properties. This decision was made due to the alleged failure of the RCA to meet the conditions outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and their failure to pay outstanding dues.
Choudhary stated that despite sending numerous notices to the RCA, they did not receive any response. The only response they did receive was a request from the RCA to extend the duration of the MoU from eight to ten years. However, this request did not address the financial liabilities owed by the RCA. Choudhary mentioned that the RCA had financial obligations that they did not fulfill, which prompted the sealing of the properties.
He further explained that efforts were made to resolve the issue through discussions with the RCA. However, as a result of the RCA’s failure to meet their financial commitments and adhere to the terms of the MoU, the state sports council had to resort to sealing the properties.
Despite the closure, Choudhary assured that the action taken would not affect the upcoming IPL matches or any other international games scheduled to be held at the venue. He emphasized that the decision to seal the properties was solely aimed at reclaiming their premises. Choudhary reiterated that the IPL matches, as well as all other national and international matches, would proceed as planned, with players being provided with all necessary facilities.
RCA president alleges the act is smacked by politics
Rajasthan Cricket Association president Vaibhav Gehlot has raised concerns about the sealing of the premises, suggesting that it may be influenced by political motives. Gehlot highlighted that the outstanding dues amounting to Rs 8 crore are from an old case, and the sudden decision to seal the premises just before the IPL suggests political animosity. He expressed dissatisfaction with the limited time given for response, stating that less than two days’ notice was provided. Gehlot emphasized the inappropriateness of politics interfering with sports and indicated that the RCA would consult its legal advisors to determine the appropriate course of action.
Meanwhile, the IPL governing body has unveiled a partial schedule for the upcoming tournament, releasing details for the first two weeks featuring 21 matches. Notably, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium is slated to host the Rajasthan Royals’ season opener against the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24. Additionally, it will be the venue for the clash against the Delhi Capitals on March 28. Despite the controversy surrounding the sealing of the premises, preparations for the IPL matches continue, with venues and schedules being finalized by the organizing body.
Top 20 FAQs about Before IPL 2024 starts, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Rajasthan and the RCA office have been closed off or locked up.
1. Why has the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Rajasthan been closed off before IPL 2024?
- The stadium, along with the RCA office, has been sealed by the Rajasthan Sports Council due to alleged issues with the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA), including non-payment of dues.
2. What is the RCA office?
- The RCA office refers to the administrative headquarters of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, which oversees cricket-related activities in the state.
3. Who sealed off the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and the RCA office?
- The sealing was carried out by the Rajasthan Sports Council, a governing body responsible for overseeing sports activities in the state.
4. What is the reason behind sealing these premises?
- The sealing is reportedly due to the failure of the Rajasthan Cricket Association to meet its financial obligations and adhere to the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan Sports Council.
5. What prompted the Rajasthan Sports Council to take this action?
- The council claims that despite issuing multiple notices, the RCA did not respond adequately and failed to fulfill its financial liabilities, leading to the sealing of the premises.
6. How long before IPL 2024 did the sealing occur?
- The sealing took place nearly a month before the scheduled start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024.
7. What impact does the sealing have on the upcoming IPL matches?
- The sealing is unlikely to affect the IPL matches as other arrangements are made to ensure the smooth conduct of the matches.
8. Is the sealing a temporary measure?
- The duration of the sealing is not specified, but efforts may be made to resolve the issues between the RCA and the Rajasthan Sports Council to reopen the premises.
9. How does the sealing affect the operations of the Rajasthan Cricket Association?
- The sealing restricts access to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and the RCA office, potentially disrupting the association’s activities and preparations for IPL 2024.
10. Has the Rajasthan Cricket Association responded to the sealing?
- Yes, the president of the RCA, Vaibhav Gehlot, has alleged political motives behind the sealing and expressed intentions to consult legal advisors regarding the matter.
11. What steps does the RCA plan to take in response to the sealing?
- The RCA intends to consult its legal advisors to determine the appropriate course of action in response to the sealing of the premises.
12. How does the sealing impact cricket fans and enthusiasts?
- The sealing may disappoint cricket fans and enthusiasts who were looking forward to attending matches or accessing facilities at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium and the RCA office.
13. Are there any alternative arrangements made for IPL matches scheduled at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium?
- Details about alternative arrangements, if any, are not provided in the given information.
14. Will the sealing affect the overall conduct of IPL 2024?
- While the sealing may pose challenges, efforts are likely underway to ensure the smooth conduct of IPL 2024, including finding solutions to the issues leading to the sealing.
15. Are there any official statements from the Rajasthan Sports Council regarding the sealing?
- Yes, the Rajasthan Sports Council secretary, Sohan Ram Choudhary, has provided statements explaining the reasons behind the sealing of the premises.
16. Has the sealing affected other cricket-related activities in Rajasthan?
- The sealing may have broader implications for cricket-related activities in Rajasthan, potentially impacting training sessions, administrative tasks, and other events.
17. What is the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) mentioned in relation to the sealing?
- The MoU likely refers to a formal agreement between the Rajasthan Cricket Association and the Rajasthan Sports Council, outlining their respective roles, responsibilities, and obligations.
18. How does the sealing affect the reputation of the Rajasthan Cricket Association?
- The sealing may tarnish the reputation of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, signaling financial mismanagement or non-compliance with agreements.
19. Will the sealing affect the participation of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024?
- The participation of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 is unlikely to be directly affected by the sealing, as arrangements may be made to ensure the team’s participation in scheduled matches.
20. Are there any ongoing negotiations between the RCA and the Rajasthan Sports Council to resolve the issues leading to the sealing?
- Yes, efforts may be underway to negotiate a resolution between the RCA and the Rajasthan Sports Council to address the issues and potentially reopen the sealed premises before IPL 2024.
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