JAIPUR: On the eve of the Rajasthan Royals' first home game at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium here, state sports minister Ashok Chandna questioned Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) on the construction of two VVIP boxes in the South-West and North-West regions of the stadium.
The sports minister, on the eve of the Royals match against Lucknow Super Giants, pointed out that according to the MoU between the Rajasthan State Sports Council (RSSC) and RCA, the latter is not allowed to construct anything without RSSC permission.
“If the construction leads to any unfortunate incident, then who will be responsible for it? An enquiry should be held in this regard,” he added.
The stadium's cricket ground and north and south blocks belong to the RSSC and under the MoU, RCA is allowed to use the entire space for matches after making specified payment.
RCA president Vaibhav Gehlot retorted saying that nothing has been done illegally.
“We haven’t gone against the MoU and the two structures which have been created are not permanent ones,” Vaibhav said.
The two boxes can accommodate around 1000 spectators.
On the other hand, contradicting the sports minister’s claim, RSSC chief sports officer Virendra Poonia said, “Whatever has been done is keeping in mind the terms and conditions of the MoU.”
A week ago RSSC secretary DR Gordhan Lal Sharma had sent a letter to the RCA, asking them to pay the due amount of Rs 34,92,89,470, which is pending from before 2005 when the MoU was first signed.
The letter also mentioned about the pending amount of Rs 1 crore that the RCA has to pay for hosting the five IPL matches which will be held at the SMS Stadium starting from April 19.
(AI image)
