The Rajasthan Cricket Association’s request to extend the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) has led to a critical decision.
As the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) approaches, all eyes are on Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur, and the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) office. The RSSC has taken a significant step by sealing both the renowned stadium and the RCA office, a move triggered by the association’s plea for MoU extension.
Unfortunately, the RSSC decided not to extend the MoU, resulting in the closure of the RCA office, along with Sawai Mansingh Stadium and its cricket academy. Karan Singh, the Sports Officer, revealed that the initial MoU expired in July of the previous year, and the subsequent one concluded on February 21. Despite persistent efforts, the MoU renewal process was left incomplete, leading to an outstanding due of INR 34 crore.
“The MoU has ended. We have sent them notices many times. Rs 34 crore is due, and hence we are here to take possession (of the academy and stadium). The necessary process to renew the MoU once it ended wasn’t done,” explained Karan, as quoted by Daily Jagran.
The Rajasthan Cricket Association faces legal scrutiny in anticipation of IPL 2024.
The Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their IPL 2024 campaign at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, clashing with the Lucknow Super Giants on March 24. This could potentially result in a relocation of hosting matches for the Rajasthan franchise. Vaibhav Gehlot, President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association, revealed that the RCA formally sought an extension for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Gehlot also highlighted that the ongoing financial dispute between the RCA and the sports council is currently undergoing legal scrutiny.
“We have formally requested an extension for the MoU, but unfortunately, it wasn’t granted. Just two days ago, we received notice that the sports council intends to seize both the academy (RCA) and the stadium (Sawai Mansingh Stadium). The financial dispute between the RCA and the sports council is now a matter before the court,” explained Gehlot.
