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.
In a tweet, former Australian allrounder Shane Watson said that he loved the atmosphere on offer in the first game of the IPL.
“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.
Apart from Watson, CSK’s batting coach Michael Hussey also said that he feels for the fans and the players regarding the decision to shift the IPL matches from Chennai.
“Very sad that we have to play our remaining home games away from Chennai. Feeling for the players and the fans but also hoping for a peaceful and swift resolution to the current problems. Thanks for the incredible support of all the Csk fans,” he said.
CSK’s head coach Stephen Fleming also took to Twitter to express his sorrow over the decision. “Sad to be leaving Chennai today. Great to be back and again experience the love and passion the Tamil Nadu fans have for cricket and CSK,” He further said that he is hopeful of a peaceful resolution on the ongoing conflict. “I trust a ‘peaceful’ resolution is found soon for the problems at hand. Thanks to everyone for making the team so welcome,” he said.
The decision to shift the CSK to Pune was taken by the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council in consultation with the Committee of Administrators (CoA) followed by a meeting between Chennai Police Commissioner A K Viswanathan and CSK Chief Executive Officer Kasi Viswanathan.
