Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has indirectly accused higher authorities, referring to them as 'Gujarat people', of using their influence to shift the Indian Premier League (IPL) final away from Bengaluru. Speaking to the media on Monday, Shivakumar expressed his disappointment over the change in venue, stating that sports fans in Karnataka were wronged. He added that the team had made everyone proud and vowed to ensure that such a situation does not recur.
Allegations of Influence
Shivakumar said, 'Will ensure Gujarat doesn't take our match again.' He alleged that powerful individuals from Gujarat leveraged their connections to move the high-profile match from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium to Ahmedabad. The shift, announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last week, has sparked controversy among Karnataka cricket fans and political leaders.
Fan Reactions
Local cricket enthusiasts have expressed outrage over the decision, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, in particular, feel cheated as the team had a strong home record this season. The BCCI has not commented on the allegations, stating only that the change was made due to 'operational reasons'.
Shivakumar's remarks have added a political dimension to the issue, with opposition parties demanding a full inquiry into the venue selection process. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has also sought clarification from the BCCI.
