Kings XI Punjab request the IPL GC to allow them to move out of Mohali

If one team has been a part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) for all the ten editions but is yet to establish a bond with the fans is that from Punjab. The fact that Kings XI Punjab have never won the title coupled with constant chopping and changing of the entire squad has not allowed them to put up memorable performances. Season after season the number of fans turning out to watch their home games at the PCA Stadium has just depleted.

Ahead of the 11th edition of the IPL, reports suggest that KXIP team management had put up a request with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) asking them permission to switch bases. They wish to move out of Mohali to another city. The point was up for discussion during the Governing Council meeting and could’ve been approved but a few members halted the transit.

BCCI’s end of the equation

TOI quoted sources saying that two top brass BCCI officials are of the view that the board will not be in a position to determine what to charge KXIP for this shift. And taking a few crores in addition to the franchise won’t be a fair trade on their part.

As per the rules of the tournament, Kings have to play at least four of their allotted home games in Mohali whereas they do have the option to move the rest of the matches to some other venue. In the letter to the BCCI, the franchise had mentioned that they do not enjoy complete support from the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) and that there also pertain issues with the local authorities which makes hosting games that bigger a challenge.

Government officials of both Punjab and Haryana relish the opportunity of IPL games in Mohali and the franchise has to bear the additional burden of hosting them for the matches. Along with the fact that scarce crowd has resulted in a lower collection from ticket sales and thus the returns haven’t been promising either to hold them onto the city.

Now that the Governing Council hasn’t cleared their request KXIP will host at least four of their matches in Mohali and will look for a new home ground for the rest of the contests they host.