Maharashtra can spend IPL profit on drought-hit areas: BCCI secretary

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said the Maharashtra government, which will earn more than Rs 100 crore from the IPL matches conducted in the state, can use the money for drought-affected areas across the state.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Anurag Thakur said the Maharashtra government, which will earn more than Rs 100 crore from the IPL matches conducted in the state, can use the money for drought-affected areas across the state.

BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said the Maharashtra government can use the money earned from IPL matches in the state to assist drought-affected areas. (Sanjeev Sharma/HT Photo)

He also said that the BCCI believes that potable water should not be used to water the fields for the matches.

Read | No potable water for IPL, okay if matches are shifted out: Maharashtra CM Fadnavis

Thakur’s comments on the water usage issue come in the wake of a PIL filed in the high court by an NGO against the holding of IPL matches in Maharashtra, as reportedly 70 lakh litres of water will be used to water the grounds at a time when the state is facing an acute water shortage.

The court, too, has suggested the matches be shifted out of the state.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that he has no problem with the matches being shifted to other states.

In Navi Mumbai, where Thakur was present for an inauguration function, said, “Several states in the country have been affected by drought. It is a matter of great concern. The BCCI believes that potable water should not be used for the matches. Sewage-treated water should be used to water the playgrounds. Maharashtra shouldn’t suffer.”

Stating that the state benefits financially from the IPL, Thakur said, “A survey conducted by us last year revealed Maharashtra, that had conducted only a few matches, earned over Rs 100 crore. That income of the state can be spent on the drought-affected.”