Cuttack: After successfully removing the beehives from the galleries before the India-Sri Lanka ODI at Barabati last year, Orissa Cricket Association has rolled up its sleeves for another ‘honeybee mission’.

This time 21 beehives in galley number 7 poses a serious threat for the safety of audience and players during the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches to be played here on March 19 and 21, respectively.

Ashirbad Behera, secretary of OCA on Monday said that the beehives will be removed from galleries a week before the IPL match. “All the beehives will be removed by March 13. The trained people from Phulbani who had earlier removed the hives will again be engaged for the work,” Behera told.

Preparations for the IPL matches have reached final stage. The pitch and the outfield are almost ready while the sale of tickets for the Twenty20 dhamaka will start from March 13, he added. Cricketing fans can avail the IPL tickets from the counters at Barabati stadium and Kalinga stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Behera has informed that Barabati, which is now the home ground of the Deccan Chargers will host five to seven matches in the next IPL season. Moreover, this time, 36,000 fans from across the state can enjoy the superfast cricket at the stadium. Deccan Charges, the defending champions will play against Kings Eleven Punjab and Delhi Dare Devils on March 19 and 21, respectively.