With just three days left for the beginning of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), residents near the Wankhede stadium at Marine Drive have urged Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Uddhav Thackeray for a change in the venue amid rising COVID-19 cases in Mumbai.
Significantly, 10 IPL matches are scheduled between April 10 to April 25 at Wankhede stadium near Marine Drive and the local residents here fear the matches could lead to a spike in Covid-19 cases.
Ashit Shroff, resident of D-Road across Wankhede Stadium, who is also a member of the Marine Drive Residents’ Association, has raised concern on behalf of all the residents regarding their health in this pandemic time, especially the senior citizens who would be affected due to IPL Matches.
“How the matches are being allowed in the Covid times? State government on Sunday directed to close down all public places including sports complexes still they are breaching their own guidelines,” he said in his letter.
“It is shocking. On one hand, the city is deeply affected by COVID-19, and the state government is compelled to restrict religious and social activities like marriages, deaths, etc and contrary to this in these difficult times an IPL Cricket match of such a magnitude lasting over several days permitted.”
“We urge change in the location of IPL match to DY Patil stadium or any other venue which is in a non-residential area,” he asked in his letter.
Moreover, the residents in the letter have said that though spectators will not be allowed but there will be fans gathering near the stadium to see the cricketers in their buses which could result in a crowd in their area.
Besides, the matches will cause parking restriction for D -Road residents which is extremely difficult for the senior citizens and unacceptable in the times of Covid-19.
Notably, in the entire nation, Mumbai is suffering the worst scenario due to Covid-19 and the state government has already anounced a night curfew beside several restrictions at public places.