Deccan Chargers boycott IPL 3

Furious at the Indian Premier League for shifting its opening match out of the city, the state government on Wednesday asked local team Deccan Chargers to boycott the Twenty20 event if the organizers don't stick to the original schedule.

Andhra Pradesh sports minister K Venkat Reddy said he and Chief Minister K Rosaiah on Wednesday sent letters to Union Agriculture Minister and former BCCI chief Sharad Pawar urging him to ensure that the opening match is held here as per the original schedule. The IPL starts on March 12 with Deccan Chargers taking on Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai.

"We have asked Deccan Chargers to stay away from the event as an expression of solidarity and send the message that the whole state is united in demanding relocation of the (inaugural) match," Reddy said.