Rajeev Shukla: 'No change of venue for Chennai games'

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajeev Shukla on Monday made it clear that Chennai's home games will not be shifted to any other venue.

Speaking to Sportstar, Shukla confirmed that he has spoken to the Tamil Nadu Government about the issue. “There will be no change of venue. We are not moving out of Chennai as we have got assurances from the police, government and the concerned authorities that adequate security will be provided,” Shukla said.

READ: CSK matches not shifted to Kerala

Chennai Super Kings - returning to the IPL after two years - which beat Mumbai Indians in the season opener, is slated to host Kolkata Knight Riders at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Tuesday, and Shukla appealed to the political parties to keep the T20 league out of the Cauvery water-sharing controversy.

“It is a sporting event which is being watched by people from all parts of the world, so it should be kept away from these issues. Why drag the IPL into all this?” the seasoned administrator said.

But with rising political tension in Tamil Nadu, has the Board thought of an alternative venue?

“If authorities in Tamil Nadu provide the security, we will host all the matches in Chennai. There will be no back-up plans as of now. We are going ahead with our original schedule,” Shukla said.

On Sunday, Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) secretary, Jayesh George, had added fuel to fire, claiming Kerala will host some of Chennai's fixtures. CSK CEO, Kasi Viswanathan, and BCCI acting secretary, Amitabh Chaudhary, however, had rubbished such claims.

Shukla, too, echoed a similar view. “People will keep on making requests. Every state wants to host IPL,” Shukla said.

No IPL for Warner

Meanwhile, there were reports that Cricket Australia has cleared David Warner for the IPL, but the tournament chairman iterated that the tainted Aussie batsman will remain suspended in this edition of the IPL. “IPL has got its own regulation. We have taken a decision and it does not matter what Cricket Australia thinks now. So far, our decision is, Warner is barred from playing IPL this year,” Shukla said.