Pune ready to host CSK matches, says MCA president

Following widespread protests in the city on Tuesday, the remaining Chennai Super Kings (CSK) home matches are set to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) ground in Pune. The official confirmation will be made after the CoA meeting on Thursday.

CSK returned to the Indian Premier League after two years and played its first home game at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium here against Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday, stealing a nerve-wracking five-wicket win.

READ: Pune to host CSK's 'home' matches

MCA president Abhay Apte believes the familiarity of the CSK players with Pune, since most of them also turned out for the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant franchise for two years, could be the logic behind the selection.

“It is unfortunate that Chennai is losing out on home games. But Pune has many advantages. It has good revenue and most of the important CSK players played for Pune so they have the comfort and connect,” he said.

MCA, which has also been allotted an Eliminator on May 23 and the second Qualifier on May 25, was not expecting this surprise. Apte is aware of the challenges ahead but he is up for it. “We will have to look at tax, revenue, permissions, police etc. It is a big challenge, but having hosted IPL before, we have a set template and the experience. Whatever time government requires to push the applications, that we will have to wait.”

MCA has nine days to set the stage. As per the schedule, CSK is to play its next home game on April 20 against Rajasthan Royals.