IPL 2021: Farmers Protest The Sole Reason Behind BCCI Snubbing Punjab From Venue's List- Reports

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to finalize the venues for the 14th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

And, while Mumbai is highly likely to not host any games this season due to the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state of Maharashtra, Punjab will also not see any matches getting staged in Mohali in IPL 2021.

According to a report in the Indian Express, the sole reason behind BCCI’s reluctance in allotting fixtures to Punjab is the ongoing farmer’s agitation against the Farm Laws brought by the Central government.

Ever since the Farms Laws were passed, there have been protests in Punjab and its adjoining areas and the BCCI is of the view that if IPL 2021 matches are held in the state then it might give the protestors a chance to attract the world’s attention.

“We don’t want a situation to arise where we have an IPL match in Mohali and a farmer agitation march moves towards the stadium. It will attract media attention from all over the world. We don’t want such a situation to arise. Mohali is not among shortlisted venues due to the current scenario in the northern part of India,” a top BCCI official was quoted as saying by the Indian Express.

“Except Punjab, we are monitoring most of the other venues. The elections also might force some changes in the venue list,” the BCCI official added.

Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon is disappointed with BCCI’s snub as is the Chief Minister of Punjab, Captain Amrinder Singh, who took to Twitter on Wednesday, to express his ‘astonishment’ at the decision of the apex cricketing body.

“I am surprised at the exclusion of Mohali Cricket Stadium for the upcoming IPL season. I urge and appeal to @BCCI & @IPL to reconsider their decision. There is no reason why Mohali can’t host IPL and our Government will make all necessary arrangements for safety against #Covid19,” wrote Captain Amrinder.

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