IPL 2024: MCA denies rumours of extra security for Hardik Pandya at Wankhede

Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) has denied rumours of any extra security for Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. After the all-rounder was traded from Gujarat Titans and was made the new captain, a huge chunk of the fans couldn’t accept his appointment as Pandya has faced a barrage of boos, including discriminatory chants so far in IPL 2024. Mumbai’s defeat in the first two matches of the season added further frustrations as the situation seems to grow with days.

Meanwhile, the five-time champions are all set to host Rajasthan Royals in their first home game of the season. Ahead of that, the rumours claimed that MCA had tightened the security at Wankhede as the fans who would boo or abuse Hardik during the match, will be escalated from the ground. However, MCA recently issued a statement clarifying that none of such things have been arranged as they will follow BCCI’s guidelines on crowd behaviour policy.

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“There are rumours that MCA has instructed security against people who support Rohit or boo hardik, while we know this is incorrect. This is baseless rumours, and no instructions like this has been given, We as MCA are following BCCI guidelines on crowd behaviour policy,” the MCA said in a statement.

After two back-to-back defeats at the hands of Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai are in a state of bother. Against Hyderabad, they conceded 277 runs - which is the most by any team in the history of the competition. Their batters however did a good job in the second innings but yet, but Mumbai lost the match by 31 runs. 

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Multiple changes are required for the side to get back into winning ways as some of their tactics have been heavily criticised. The decision not to give the new ball to Jasprit Bumrah in either of the matches has cost the side, which is one area that skipper Hardik needs to think about. When it comes to batting, the players will have to be more consistent to get the job done.