New Delhi,Feb 6: The Rajasthan Royals could be forced to move their home matches from Jaipur in the Indian Premier League (IPL) because of payment issues with the stadium owner.
It's the second financial blow this week for the Royals, who are already planning to contest an US $18.8 million fine handed down by the Enforcement Directorate for violating foreign exchange rules.
“RCA (Rajasthan Cricket Association) has been given time until Wednesday by the BCCI, before it decides to shift the matches out of Rajasthan,” Gujarat Cricket Association secretary Rajesh Patel was quoted as saying.
The Royals are in dispute over payments with the Rajasthan State Sports Council, which owns Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur. The state council has refused to renew its memorandum of understanding with the Royals, which means the only international-standard cricket stadium in the city may not be available to the team.
The Royals, who won the inaugural IPL in 2008, are already facing a testing time after the fine.
“We are discussing the contents of the order with our lawyers and intend to launch a full appeal against the order. We will not make any further statement on this matter at this time,” the Royals said in a statement.
