wankhede
The opening match of IPL 2016 took place successfully at Wankhede. Pictured: Mumbai Indians batsman Harbhajan Singh in action during the first match of IPL 2016 between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants at Wankhede Stadium in MumbaiIANS

The BCCI may have to give in to the pressure to relocate IPL 2016 matches from Maharahstra on the face of the drought situation in the state, and as per reports, they have come up with some alternative venues. Sources close to the development told CNN-IBN Tuesday Kanpur, Indore and Ranchi are being zeroed in on.

Although an official verdict is not out, it is believed the Maharashtra-based stadiums — Wankhede in Mumbai, Vibarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur and Maharashtra Cricket Association in Pune — might not see any of their remaining 19 games take place this season.

The Bombay High Court had given a green signal to the opening match of IPL 2016 between Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants at Wankhede Saturday, observing that the PIL filed to shift the match out of the venue was way too late.

The report has, meanwhile, also stated Kings XI Punjab are willing to shift their three home games from Nagpur back to Mohali.

Ness Wadia, the owner of KXIP, told Times Now Monday they were considering shifting the matches out of Nagpur on humanitarian grounds.

The BCCI meanwhile informed the Bombay High Court Tuesday they would use only recycled sewage water, supplied by the Royal Western India Turf Club, to maintain the cricket pitches.