Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad is all set to host the next IPL 2024 fixture on April 5. Match 18 of the IPL 2024 will see the SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) host reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). But ahead of the clash, the stadium authorities have suffered massive hiccup as the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) has failed to pay the electricity bills.
According to a recent report, the HCA has failed to clear the outstanding bill worth INR 1.6 Crore leading to the electricity board taking a big step and issuing a power cut. However, the report reveals that the HCA was given a primary notice in February 2024 but has still failed to comply to the notice, forcing the authorities to disconnect the power supply.
“Electricity has been cut off at the Hyderabad Cricket Stadium ahead of the IPL match. The HCA hasn’t paid a bill of INR 1.6 Core to DISCOM since seven years. Earlier, they approached the court asking them to consider their plea. First notice was served in February 2024. There wasn’t any response from HCA, despite continuous follow ups. The department has already disconnected power supply,” the report quoted by the Newsmeter read.
Power restored at Uppal Stadium ahead of SRH vs CSK IPL 2024 clash
But as per recent reports, the negotiations between the stadium authorities and the Telangana Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (TSSPDCL) has been resolved with the power being restored after a court directive. The court directed the authorities to restore power supply after one-half of the payment has been made. Moreover, the court has directed the stadium authorities to clear the remaining bills in two installments, with the last being May 2024.
“We have served the notice on HCA on Feb 20 to pay the pending arrears withing 15 days. But, they have not cleared dues so far. We were forced to cut power supply to the stadium,” a TSSPDCL official was quoted by the Mint.
The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium has hosted only one match in the IPL 2024 so far. In the solitary match, the home side, Pat Cummins-led SRH registered a 31-run win against the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI). The Hyderabad-based outfit currently sits at seventh place with just one win off three matches and two points two their name.
