Jaipur: Manoj Badale, the Rajasthan Royals chairman, has said his side was disappointed at losing the opening ceremony and the first fixture from Jaipur to Mumbai after the IPL governing council was forced to change its schedule in view of the general elections.
The opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League will now take place in Mumbai with the first match also being played there, meaning the defending champions will have to play their first game away from home.
"If it was left to us, we would have played all our seven games in Jaipur," Badale said. "But since our first game was shifted to Mumbai... it's not in our hands. Security is of prime importance at this point of time."
Badale, who was accompanied by Bollywood actress and new co-owner Shilpa Shetty, revealed that Rajasthan decided to play some of their home games in Ahmedabad since seven of their players represent Gujarat or Baroda in domestic cricket.
Rajasthan specifically want to play their game against Kings XI Punjab at the Motera because it would be billed as the clash of the Pathan brothers: Kings XI's Irfan would square off against Rajasthan's Yusuf who both play for Baroda.
In view of the raised concerns over the security situation in the country following the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore and the forthcoming elections, Badale said foreign players shouldn't be afraid as the IPL will leave no stone unturned when it comes to security measures.
"It doesn't make any difference to us (if foreign players are safe in India)," Badale said. "International players are no different from Indian players, and if Indian players are safe here then even the foreign players would be safe."
Badale also read out a statement from team captain Shane Warne, who has indicated his desire to participate in the tournament despite security fears.
"I have no reservations about the security during the IPL in India," Badale quoted Warne as saying. "I'm sure Rajasthan Royals will look after its team and the IPL will look after us well."
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