IPL matches shifted from Bengaluru to Gujarat for commercial reasons: Parameshwara

Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara on Friday said there are no security lapses at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and suggested that the shifting of IPL matches from Bengaluru could be due to ticketing and commercial considerations.

Speaking to reporters, he said the decision regarding the arrangement of matches lies with the BCCI and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), and the state government has no role in it.

He added that the stadium has adequate security facilities and the shift of matches may have been influenced by the availability of more seating capacity in Gujarat.

When asked about allegations that the relocation was linked to ticket distribution for MLAs, he responded sharply, asking critics to provide details if such claims were being made.

Responding to opposition criticism that RCB fans were being “misled”, he questioned the contribution of BJP and JD(S) towards sports and said baseless allegations were being made.

He also stated that precautionary measures have been strengthened to avoid any repeat of past incidents, referring to improvements made based on the Michael D. Cunha report. He reiterated that the government has no connection with the decision to shift matches.

On a separate issue regarding government formation in Tamil Nadu, Parameshwara said constitutional provisions exist and decisions will be taken by the Governor based on legal procedures, adding that developments will be observed.

‘Why not Mumbai instead of Gujarat’: Priyank Kharge

Minister Priyank Kharge also raised questions over the relocation of IPL matches, stating that Karnataka is being treated unfairly in several matters.

Addressing a press conference, he said if security was an issue, matches had already been conducted earlier in Bengaluru without problems. He alleged that the decision to move matches to Gujarat was driven by profit considerations.

He questioned why the matches were not shifted to Mumbai instead of Gujarat, adding that all relocated matches are being concentrated in one state.

Kharge said the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister have also opposed the decision. He further stated that the relocation was not linked to ticket allocation for legislators, and clarified that demand for tickets came from various political representatives.

He alleged that the decision to shift matches was purely for commercial benefit.