Shifting Indian Premier League Matches Not Solution For Drought: VVS Laxman

Amid the furore over water being being used to maintain cricket pitches for Indian Premier League (IPL) games in drought-hit Maharashtra, Sunrisers Hyderabad mentor VVS Laxman on Thursday said shifting matches is not a solution for what is now a national problem. (Bombay High Court Tells BCCI to Shift Matches From Drought-Hit Maharashtra)

"I don't think that it is a solution. You have to find out the root cause of the main problem. As I mentioned, it's been bad as far as monsoons are concerned. It's not only a problem in one state but throughout the country. So, shifting from Mumbai will not be a real solution," the former India batsman said in Hyderabad. (Mumbai Indians- Rising Pune Supergiants Opener to Go Ahead As Planned)

A PIL was filed in the High Court on Tuesday which sought a direction to the IPL chairman to pay tax on usage of water, claiming that about 60,000 litres of water would be needed every day to maintain the pitches. (Rajeev Shukla Rules Out Shifting Indian Premier League Matches Out of Maharashtra)

Asserting that shortage of water is a fallout of global warming and climate change, Laxman said it is a phenomenon that affects the whole country.

"Identify the root cause and I am sure the government is looking into it and the necessary departments have to take all the precautions so that it does not happen. Because, this is going to be a problem. We have seen so much of global warming," said Laxman.

"If we play to our potential, we will achieve our goal - that is to win the IPL." says @VVSLaxman281 #OrangeArmy pic.twitter.com/hMPDlslC22

- SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 7, 2016

"One of the major effects is climate change which indirectly will affect the water. We have seen that in the past. It affects the country, not one or two cities."

IPL, besides helping young cricketers to learn from some of the experienced players, also adds to the economy of the country, Laxman claimed.

"Both are very crucial. I definitely feel for the farmers, what they are going through. This year, because of a bad monsoon, there is a lot of water shortage. Not only for farmers, but throughout the country, there is a lot of water shortage. I know everyone is looking for negatives as far as IPL is concerned," said the right-handed batsman.

"There are a lot of benefits. It is a game which not only helps youngsters learn from some of the exceptional talent from India, but also all over the world. It also adds to the economy of the country." he said.