With Chennai Super Kings’ IPL matches being shifted from Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk to Pune following protests from Tamil outfits regarding the ongoing Cauvery water dispute, CSK players and coaching staff have come out to express their sorrow over the decision. Indian batsman Suresh Raina took to Twitter to express his disappointment on the decision and said that he will miss playing the IPL matches in the city.
“Will miss playing on our home ground and entertaining our #Chennai fans this season…You are always in our hearts. On to #Pune now!,” he said.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson also took to Twitter and said that he loved the atmosphere on offer in the first game of the IPL. He further thanked the fans for the support.
“Very sad for our team CSK and the fans here in Chennai that we won’t be playing anymore games here this season. The atmosphere last game was incredible,” he said. “Let’s hope this situation in Tamil Nadu is sorted out asap,” he added.
Top officials of the Chennai-based franchise were in a meeting with the local police to find out if adequate security can be provided for the six remaining home fixtures at the M.A. Chidambaram stadium. However, according to reports, the police expressed their inability in ensuring enough personnel at the venue for the smooth conduct of the games. During CSK's first home game against Kolkata Knight Riders, on Tuesday, groups of protesters demonstrated outside the M.A. Chidambaram stadium demanding a boycott of the match.