No IPL games in Maharashtra in May, rules Bombay High Court

No IPL matches will be held in Maharashtra after 30th April, which is under siege from drought, the Bombay High Court ruled today. There are 13 matches scheduled for the state which also includes the including the finale to be held in Mumbai on May 29.

"We cannot lose sight of the plight of millions of poor people," the judges said, adding that though banning cricket matches won't solve the problem, water meant for cricket pitches should be diverted to drought-hit areas like Latur, where a special train arrived yesterday, bearing desperately-needed water for one of the most parched regions of the state.

"I hope this decision will raise the collective consciousness needed to solve the water crisis," said Shaina NC, a top BJP leader in Maharashtra. She said the government is committed to delivering 75 lakh litres of water in the next seven days to drought-hit areas. "I hope corporates and others will help," she urged.