Security agencies favour IPL postponement

Central security agencies are unwilling to stretch themselves for the IPL, which coincides with the general elections, and told the Govt to press for a postponement of the high-profile Twenty20 event.

The security agencies are unwilling to stretch themselves for the Indian Premier League, which coincides with parliamentary elections, and on Wednesday told the government to press for a postponement of the high-profile Twenty20 event.

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Central security agencies opposed IPL's request of going ahead with a changed schedule which would mean no matches at the time of polling in the cities where the franchises are based.

However, security agencies disagreed saying troop mobilisation would take more than 24 to 48 hours, making it strenuous for the jawans.

"We have sounded them (IPL) and are waiting for their response," Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta told reporters when asked whether the IPL tournament was being given a go ahead by the Ministry.

The security agencies' fresh objection came in the wake of IPL Chairman Lalit Modi's plea that the cricket tournament could be held with some minor changes in the schedule.

The agencies again suggested the Home Ministry to consider asking for the postponement of the championship in view of tight position of security forces required for election duty.