'IPL final venue shifted to Gujarat due to politics': Karnataka CM-designate Shivakumar lashes out at organisers

'The IPL final match should have happened in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us,' said Shivakumar.

Karnataka CM-designate D K Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah congratulated Royal Challengers Bengaluru for winning their second consecutive Indian Premier League (IPL) title, against Gujarat Titans this time, on Sunday.

However, Shivakumar lashed out at IPL organisers for shifting the venue of the final to Gujarat, saying it was an injustice to Karnataka, and alleged the move was politically motivated.

"The IPL final match should have happened in Bengaluru. Injustice has been done to us. Due to politics, they held it at a different venue. I won't speak much on it," he told reporters.

"I congratulate them on behalf of the RCB fans in Karnataka, and the state government," he said.

In posts on X, the Chief Minister-designate and the outgoing Chief Minister commended the RCB on the achievement, and hailed the players, support staff and fans for the triumph.

"RCB has created history by clinching a second consecutive IPL title. With grit, composure, and the heart of true champions, the team has once again made Bengaluru proud," Shivakumar said.

Declaring, "Tonight, Bengaluru rises again as champions!" and "This year too, the cup belongs to us," he said the team had written a golden chapter in the franchise's history.

"Congratulations to the players, coaches, support staff, and millions of fans who stood by the team every step of the way," Shivakumar said in his post on X.

Siddaramaiah said RCB had once again emerged as IPL champions and credited the team's aggressive display throughout the tournament.

"Throughout the tournament, the fearless brand of cricket displayed by the RCB boys seemed to leave opposing teams with no answers," he said.

Congratulating the team on lifting the trophy for the second successive season, Siddaramaiah said, "This victory, earned through a united team effort, has created a festive atmosphere in the homes of RCB fans everywhere."

(With PTI inputs)