South Africa will host the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), starting on April 18. IPL commissioner Lalit Modi announced at a press conference at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg Tuesday after his discussion with South African cricket board.
N Srinivasan, secretary, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has, however, confirmed that the number of matches and the format for the Twenty20 championship will remain the same. Most importantly, the live telecast time of all matches will be at 4 pm and 8 pm IST, keeping in mind the television viewers in India.
The new schedule will be declared soon while the most likely venues are Durban, Cape Town, Bloemfontein, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth. The organizers have decided to stage the game in at least six different venues for those 59 matches.
Weather, logistical support scored an edge to South Africa over England to host the game. Ever since its first edition, this mega event is a world attraction for its value for business, entertainment, and of course the excitement to cricket lovers.
IPL organisers were forced to consider a different platform other than India, following Government of India’s concern for security during the same time when the nation is preparing for its general elections. It was not feasible for the government to ensure full security to both events, and also for IPL organiser to delay the tournament considering world cricket calendar.
South Africa has assured top security during the mega event. It is also understandable as the country had successfully hosted the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.
Expressing his regret IPL Commissioner Modi said that the decision to move the India Premier League 2009 to South Africa was 'one of the hardest decisions that the BCCI has ever had to take.
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