Gujarat Cricket Association reveals real reason why RCB cancelled practice session on eve of Eliminator

Prior to the pivotal IPL 2024 Eliminator showdown between the third-ranked Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore, who made a stunning comeback with six consecutive wins to reach the playoffs on net run rate, a conspicious development unfolded on the eve of the highly-anticipated Royal Derby. Four men were apprehended by the Gujarat Police earlier this week at the Ahmedabad airport on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities.

According to a report filed by The Times of India, RCB chose to cancel the practice session in Ahmedabad solely due to a heatwave, refuting other circulating secondary reasons, including concerns for the safety of RCB's linchpin, Virat Kohli.

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Anil Patel, the secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association, affirmed that there was no terror threat and disclosed the genuine reason behind the cancellation, which was markedly distinct from what was initially believed. Initially, both RR and RCB were designated the Gujarat College ground for their practice sessions. Initially, RCB's practice slot was scheduled from 2-5 pm, but it was later shifted to 3-6 pm, considering the ample daylight available in Ahmedabad during the summer season, lasting until around 6:30 pm. Patel disclosed that RCB decided to forgo their practice session due to the prevailing heatwave in the city. Additionally, Patel mentioned that they offered RCB the option to avail the indoor facilities at the GCG or the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium, but RCB declined the offer.

"There was no terror threat. We had made provision for both the Rajasthan Royals and RCB to practice at the Gujarat College ground. RCB were supposed to practice from 2 to 5 pm, before they changed it to 3-6 pm, as the light is good till 6.30 pm in the summer in Ahmedabad. RCB skipped their practice session due to the prevailing heatwave in the city. We had told RCB that they can use the indoor practice facility there, or at the indoor facility at the Narendra Modi Stadium. However, RCB didn't want to practice because of the heatwave," stated Patel. 

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According to the same report catalogued by the TOI, it was also clarified that a press conference was never slated before the Eliminator.