Gujarat turn down Delhi request for venue switch

The Gujarat Cricket Association, citing logistical and financial issues, has declined the Delhi and District Cricket Association's request to switch the venue of the Ranji Trophy group match between the two teams from Delhi to Ahmedabad.

"We could not accept the request since our return flight bookings as well as hotel bookings had been done well in advance," Rajesh Patel, the GCA joint secretary, told ESPNcricinfo. "Because of this (festive) season, cancellation of the bookings would have resulted in a huge loss, which we could not bear, so we have informed the BCCI and the DDCA accordingly."

Chetan Chauhan, the DDCA vice-president, confirmed that the match, which starts from December 28, will be "played at Feroz Shah Kotla."

According to the home-and-away policy of the BCCI for determining the Ranji schedule, Delhi were supposed to host Gujarat. However, since fog has been affecting matches in northern India, including Delhi, captain Gautam Gambhir had requested the DDCA for the match to be hosted in Gujarat instead. Chauhan had in turn spoken to the BCCI. The board, it is understood, had no problems if both the associations involved mutually decided to change the venue.