It is a sort of victory for the members of the Cricket Club of India as the IPL and its franchisees seem to be looking elsewhere. The DY Patil Stadium is now fast emerging as the preferred venue for the matches of Season II of the IPL.

It is learnt that Mumbai Indians officials will be visiting the Nerul Stadium on Thursday. Sources even say that the officials of the Reliance Group, which owns the Mumbai Indians team, will hold parleys with the DY Patil Stadium authorities. They are also believed to be close to striking a deal.

There are also clear indications that the final of the IPL Season II will be held at the Nerul ground as the conditions set by the IPL Board are not acceptable to the members of the CCI. "They have written to us that the final cannot be staged at the CCI unless we fully oblige to their terms and conditions. The conditions are not acceptable to our members so we've given up on that," said a top official of the club.

The IPL officials, however, are tightlipped on the matter. "We have not yet finalised the venue," one official said.

When contacted, Vijay Patel, the president of the DY Sports Association that manages the stadium, said they have no information but they are prepared. "At this stage I cannot comment beyond saying that we have added many more things to our facility. The matches last year witnessed sellout crowds and the facilities at the ground were appreciated. We will extend the best possible facilities this time as well."

When contacted, a CCI official said he would not be in a position to comment on the possibility of Nerul ground emerging as the preferred choice for the Mumbai Indians' home matches. "We cannot take any decision that does not have the approval of our members. We will seek the members view before taking any decision on the issue," he said.

It may be recalled that CCI management had called an Extraordinary General body Meeting to take members approval for a proposals from Mumbai Indians and IPL to stage matches. Gauging the mood of the members, the management eventually called off the EOGM.

Vijay Tagore/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication