Home Secretary holds video conference with states on IPL

New Delhi, Mar 13 (ANI): Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta held video conference with senior officials of the states where Indian Premier League (IPL) matches are scheduled to be played in April-May following their demand for central forces to host the cricketing tournament.

Gupta held consultations with seven states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal.

During the 90-minute video conference, the states have again told the Home Ministry that it was not possible to hold the matches without additional security personnel from the central grid.

All states have agreed to host the matches except Tamil Nadu with a rider that at least five to six companies of paramilitary forces are kept at their disposal for security related issues, sources said.

Tamil Nadu has rejected the proposal to host the matches in the state. The states had responded to the Home Ministry's reminder asking for their feedback on the revised IPL schedule.

Later, Gupta held a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram who will take a final call on the tournament beginning on April 10. (ANI)