M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)
The seventeenth edition of the globally renowned Indian Premier League is just a few days away, and Bengaluru finds itself struggling with an acute water crisis. However, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), which manages the iconic M.Chinnaswamy Stadium and will be hosting the home matches of Royal Challengers Bangalore, is optimistic about managing the water requirements for the upcoming IPL games.
The severe water shortage in the city has raised concerns over whether it could hinder ground maintenance and the hosting of matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. KSCA hosted a special meeting to discuss the potential impacts and find solutions to the water crisis.
Shubendu Ghosh, CEO of KSCA, showed confidence in the association’s ability to meet the water requirements for the upcoming matches through an in-house sewage treatment plant (STP) at the stadium.
He said, “We are facing no crisis at the moment that is. We have received the state government’s guidelines on water usage, and we are in constant meetings about following them,” Ghosh said.
Also read: IPL 2024: Chinnaswamy likely to remain unaffected by Bengaluru water crisis
‘We are aware of the situation’ – Official from RCB
Talking about the concerns raised by the acute water shortage, Ghosh highlighted the utilization of treated water from the STP for essential purposes like watering the outfield and pitch, “We may require 10,000-15,000 litres of water for match purposes, and we are certain that it can be generated from the STP plant,” he added.
RCB will play their first home game of IPL 2024 on March 25, against Punjab Kings. Officials from Royal Challengers have expressed confidence in the arrangements made by the KSCA and said,
“We are aware of the situation and are in touch with the KSCA office-bearers. But we have another two weeks in hand before the first match here. So, we are confident of a smooth conduct of matches,” said an anonymous official from Royal Challengers.
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The other games of RCB at home are against Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow SuperGiants in the first half of the season. RCB will be playing the curtain raiser against Chennai Super Kings on March 22nd in Chennai.