Karnataka leader praises RCB, condemns final venue shift

Karnataka Chief Minister-designate D.K. Shivakumar has congratulated the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on winning its second consecutive Indian Premier League title while sharply criticizing the decision to move the tournament final away from Bengaluru. RCB defeated the Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the championship match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Shivakumar, who is set to take oath as chief minister on June 3, called the venue shift an injustice to the state and its youth, alleging the move was politically motivated. He stated that the final should have been held in Bengaluru as per the convention of the defending champions hosting the match. Officials said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had cited requirements from local authorities that fell outside established protocols as the reason for relocating the final. In March, when Shivakumar was deputy chief minister, he announced a policy to provide complimentary tickets to state legislators for matches, a move that drew criticism.

The chief minister-designate praised the team's performance, extending congratulations on behalf of the state government and RCB fans across...