Real reason why RCB cancelled practice session in Ahmedabad | IPL 2024, RR vs RCB

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru cancelled their practice session ahead of the IPL 2024 eliminator against the Rajasthan Royals, several media reports claimed that the decision was taken due to a terror threat to Virat Kohli.

However, according to a report in India Today, RCB delayed their practice session due to excessive heat in the afternoon and wanted to hold a delayed practice session. They were told that the floodlights could only be available till 6:30 in the evening, after which the team cancelled their session.

"They changed the time initially it was from 2 pm to 5 pm. Then they asked from 4 pm to 6 pm. We told the team that the floodlights are available only after 6:30 pm. It was permissible, that was not an issue. However, the weather was 45 degrees Celsius. So they decided not to practice to avoid any health issues to the players. There was no issue related to any security threat," a top source in the Ahmedabad stadium told India Today.

"We also gave them the option of giving indoor practice arena but they said they will skip the session due to heat," he further added.

Earlier, a report by Anandbazar Patrika, a Bengali daily claimed, the franchise had to cancel its only practice session before the start of the match due to security concerns.

It goes on to state that the Bengaluru-based franchise did not even hold the usual press conference on the eve of the knockout game in Ahmedabad.

Apart from allegedly arresting four individuals over suspected terror links and activity, the Gujarat police also hinted that the press conference and practice session cancellations were related to Kohli's security.

A police officer was quoted in the report as saying, 'Virat Kohli learned about the arrests after arriving in Ahmedabad. He is a national treasure, and his security is our utmost priority.'

After the teams were reportedly informed about the developments, RCB chose to cancel their session while Rajasthan went ahead.

Extra security measures were also taken to cordon off the hotel where players are residing in the city, with even IPL-accredited members not being allowed inside.