Rajasthan Royals are considering moving to a new base in a different city, according to reports.
It's being reported that franchise officials are unhappy with how the team has been treated in Jaipur. It's a situation that could mean a new home is on the cards.
It was only last season that RR requested to play some of their games at Guwahati instead. However, this request has since been challenged in the High Court.
The Royals believe they have faced “harassment” by a number of state organisations over the years.
Speaking to the Times of India, a franchise official said: “Be it the state’s sports council, under whose aegis the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) falls, the state machinery catering to law and order, the former officers of the RCA itself and political bigwigs in the state, they’ve all collectively given Rajasthan Royals nothing but trouble over the years.
“Plain harassment, that’s what we’ve suffered.
“Look at the stadium. It’s in such a bad state. The newly-elected body in RCA has just come in and they’ll need time even if they’re looking to correct things.
“The place has been a mess for quite some time now. Over the years, the RCA has failed to come up with good infrastructure anywhere outside of Jaipur.”
Rajasthan would prefer Guwahati switch
The Royals are looking to win their first Indian Premier League title since the inaugural season in 2008.
They are currently considered 10.00 (9/1) outsiders with bet365 to cause an upset in 2020.
The franchise spokesman also explained why they made the request to move to Guwahati.
“It’s a lovely ground,” they added. “Some of our leading players visited there and praised the venue. There’s a strong Marwari presence in the northeast (Royals’ fan-base in Rajasthan) and we feel welcome there. That’s why we put in a request.”
Captain Smith pleased with squad balance
Meanwhile, despite the off-field disruption, Rajasthan skipper Steve Smith has said he is pleased with the squad heading into the new campaign.
The franchise bought in Indian duo Robin Uthappa and Jaydev Unadkat, South African David Miller and West Indian Oshane Thomas at the auction.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kartik Tyagi, Anirudha Ashok Joshi and Akash Singh made up their domestic talent.
England fast bowler Tom Curran and Australian seamer Andrew Tye also bolstered their ranks.
Smith said: “It’s exciting to be back leading the Royals. I have had a few opportunities to lead the Royals throughout and I don’t think I have actually started a year as captain before, so I am excited about that.
“We have a really good squad, some quality Indian players, some terrific overseas players and I think we have got a good mix of experience and youth.”
