Shifting IPL games not a solution: Dhoni

Amid the furore over holding IPL matches in drought-hit Maharashtra, India's limited over skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said shifting matches will not resolve the perennial crisis as it requires a "long-term" solution.

"If you see, all these questions are good to hear, I think for us it's more important to seek long-term solutions," said Dhoni.

The dire situation over potable water in the state has sparked a raging debate over the suitability of playing IPL games in the state, besides leading to a PIL filed in the Bombay High Court challenging the use of large quantity of water for maintaining pitches despite the grave water crisis.

There have been demands to shift all IPL matches out of Maharashtra.

Three big cities in Maharashtra - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur - are to play host to a total of 20 games, out of which one has already been held yesterday at the Wankhede Stadium.

"Whether IPL's match number 5, 6 or 7 happens or not, I don't think it makes much of a difference. But we have to look at a long-term solution... How we ensure water is sent to those areas where there is water shortage," he added.

• IPL
• MS Dhoni
• Dhoni
• drought
• Maharashta
• Mumbai
• cricket
• India