A day before the Delhi & Districts Cricket Association’s deadline for procuring requisite clearances for hosting India’s fourth Test against South Africa ends, the Maharashtra Cricket Association shifted both the Ranji Trophy matches scheduled at its stadium in Pune to another ground in the city.
With the DDCA unable to break the deadlock with the government authorities over tax-related issues, the BCCI, during its AGM, had put Pune on standby for hosting the Test.
It is understood that the MCA has moved Maharashtra’s last two league games from the MCA stadium in Gahunje, which was allotted Test status last week, to Poona Club, the oldest cricket ground in the city.
This will be the first time since the Gahunje stadium was ready for the 2011-12 play-offs that Maharashtra will play its home games at another venue.
“Since we were told to be ready, we have shifted both the matches. If we are allotted the Test, it would be easier for us to get other things in place when the ground is available for three weeks,” said an MCA official.
A BCCI insider also hinted that Delhi is unlikely to host the match, adding that if DDCA gets the necessary clearances, the match will be staged at the Ferozeshah Kotla.