Delhi in danger of losing World T20 semifinal
NEW DELHI: Strong concerns have resurfaced about Delhi hosting the first semi-final of the World Twenty20, scheduled for March 30, according to cricinfo.
It is understood that both the ICC and BCCI are worried that the DDCA is being forced to not allow ticket sales to the RP Mehra Block, which was the old club house at the Feroz Shah Kotla, meaning nearly 1800 seats will be empty. There is also the concern that no hoardings are allowed to be displayed in front of the stands. Those restrictions were put in place by the DelhI High Court recently while issuing clearances for the DDCA to host World T20 matches.
A final decision is likely to be reached in the next day or two, with the ICC and BCCI also discussing alternate venues to host the game.
An official involved in the organisation of the World T20 admitted that there had been ongoing discussions over shifting the Delhi semi-final to another venue. The biggest worry, as far as the ICC is concerned, is the prospect of playing the Delhi matches in front of an empty stand.
Because of the order of the court no ticket can be sold. It is embarrassing to have an empty stadium particularly when you are hosting a global tournament and all the world is watching you, the official said. Another stumbling block for the BCCI and ICC is the fate of the other games in Delhi, should the semi-final be shifted.
