Indian Premier League: We Are Committed to Farmers' Welfare, Says Rajeev Shukla

Indian Premier League chairman Rajeev Shukla on Friday said they are committed to the welfare of the farmers and will do whatever is suggested to them, with uncertainty prevailing over the fate of IPL matches in drought-hit Maharashtra. (IPL: Mumbai Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Admits no Potable Water to Maintain Cricket Grounds)

Responding to a PIL which wants all the IPL matches to be moved out of Maharashtra, a state facing acute water shortage, the Bombay High Court had given a go-ahead to at least to the tournament opener on Saturday. (IPL: Bombay High Court Tells BCCI to Shift Matches From Drought-Hit Maharashtra)

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the ninth edition of the hugely-popular league, Shukla said, "The IPL and BCCI are committed to the welfare of the farmers. We will do whatever is suggested to us. We will co-operate with whatever is told to us."

Three cities in the state - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur - are scheduled to host 19 matches in total this edition.

Shukla further said the perception of IPL being an entertainment show was wrong.

"Whatever people may see, I still believe that IPL is serious cricket. It's not just entertainment. Most of the games finish in the last over. Lot many budding talent are discovered by IPL, the world has seen that. This edition will be a better one than the previous editions. IPL is growing every year," he avowed.

The IPL chairman also said they have made conscious efforts to involve fans in the game by introducing a new feature in which the fans will be given placard to express their views on certain decisions referred to the third umpire.