CSK players expressed their disappointment over leaving Chennai.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his Yellow Army will have new home ground for the remaining home matches of the ongoing Indian Premier League, as the Cauvery water row forced the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) to shift Chennai Super Kings (CSK) home games to Pune on Wednesday (11 April).
The CSK has returned to the IPL folds after two years and won their first home game of the season against KKR on Tuesday. Just when they were thinking to make Chepauk their fortress, this Cauvery controversy has cut short their stint.
Now the Men in Yellow have to play their rest of the home matches in Pune, and the decision was taken after the CoA meeting on Thursday (10 April).
BCCI acting president C.K. Khanna confirmed, “Pune will host all the [CSK home] matches."
It is really heartbreaking news for the CSK fans, who will not be able to see their heroes at their home ground, but local police have denied ensuring adequate security arrangements for the matches, which forced the IPL Governing Body to shift its base to Pune for the rest of the home matches of the CSK.
Although it was huge lost for Chennai, but Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) is excited with the opportunity to host MS Dhoni and Co. at Pune.
The announcement not only disappointed the CSK fans but CSK players also upset with it, saying they will miss their home ground and urged fans to keep support them in the IPL 2018.
MCA president Abhay Apte told Sport Star Live, “It is unfortunate that Chennai is losing out on home games. But Pune has many advantages. It has good revenue and most of the important CSK players played for Pune so they have the comfort and connect.”
He further added, “We will have to look at tax, revenue, permissions, police etc. It is a big challenge, but having hosted IPL before, we have a set template and the experience. Whatever time government requires to push the applications, that we will have to wait.”
Meanwhile, IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla told DNA, "The matches had to be shifted out of Chennai as police had said that they were unable to provide security in the prevailing situation. CSK is not averse to shifting base to Pune. There are a number of venues, but most likely Pune will be chosen as an alternative venue in lieu of Chennai. The proposal has been sent to the Governing Council for approval.”
As per the schedule, CSK will play its next home game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 20. Meanwhile, many CSK players have expressed their sadness over Chepauk losing out from hosting rights this season.
Having to shift the Home matches from the Den was not something that was on the cards. The Lions will roar in Pune and would like to thank all the Super Fans from the #WhistlePoduArmy for all the #Yellove support. Keep them whistles coming! ????????
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) April 12, 2018
Will miss playing on our home ground and entertaining our #Chennai fans this season...You are always in our hearts.
— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) April 12, 2018
On to #Pune now! #IPL2018
Very sad for our team @ChennaiIPL and the fans here in Chennai that we won't be playing anymore games here this season. The atmosphere last game was incredible. Let's hope this situation in Tamil Nadu is sorted out asap. ????????????????????????
— Shane Watson (@ShaneRWatson33) April 12, 2018
Extremely sad to leave chennai.All I got here is warm welcome and unconditional love.Hopefully everything will be good when we come back here next year.Pls keep supporting us.yendrendrum anbudan ungal udanpirava sagotharan ❤️ #vettaikku ready a ?
— Imran Tahir (@ImranTahirSA) April 12, 2018
Sad to be leaving Chennai today. Great to be back and again experience the love and passion the Tamil Nadu fans have for cricket and CSK. I trust a ‘peaceful’ resolution is found soon for the problems at hand. Thanks to everyone for making the team so welcome.
— Stephen Fleming (@SPFleming7) April 11, 2018
Very sad that we have to play our remaining home games away from Chennai. Feeling for the players and the fans but also hoping for a peaceful and swift resolution to the current problems. Thanks for the incredible support of all the Csk fans
— Mike Hussey (@mhussey393) April 12, 2018
Gutted that we have had to move from Chepauk, the atmosphere was unbelievable!
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) April 11, 2018
Thoughts with the fan who was badly hurt last night, no one should go to watch & end up in hospital. Hope he recovers soon & all issues are resolved.
Keep supporting us it makes a huge difference! https://t.co/CSd4jekFF0