IPL Chief Favours South Africa As Host Venue

Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi is believed to favour South Africa as the alternative venue for the tournament rather than England as the event organisers visit both countries in a whistle stop tour to evaluate venues and logistics.
 
England had been the early favourites to stage the tournament following the decision to switch it from India due to security concerns.

Modi said he had no choice but to move the event because India’s government could not guarantee safety and security resources with national elections happening at the same time.

However it now appears South Africa are in pole position to stage the lucrative Twenty20 competition, which is due to run from 10th April to 24th May, featuring 59 matches, eight teams and players from a host of countries.

A final decision is expected this week, but Modi has indicated that there are drawbacks to staging the tournament in England.

He stated: ‘Weather could be a problem. Moreover because of the London Marathon on 26th April there could be a problem finding hotel rooms for some days.

‘There’s also the Test series between West Indies and England we have to take into account.

‘England has easy connectivity however, with a number of flights operating from India. The country is also well prepared, because it will host the World Twenty20 in June.’

Logistically the England and Wales Cricket Board would be forced into a major restructuring of county and international cricket fixtures were it to stage the IPL.

There are other factors which render South Africa a more attractive option including TV timings – South Africa is closer to India in terms of time zones – while the cost of holding the tournament is reportedly cheaper in the African nation.

The TV rights issue in South Africa is also more straightforward, with Supersport holding the rights to the IPL as well as international cricket in the country – a situation that is not the case in England.

Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola has stated that his organisation was ready to help out if necessary.

‘Our approach to the entire matter is just to assist colleagues in dire need of assistance. That’s all. We will see how we can assist them. We have good stadia, good facilities, good weather and good crowds for Twenty20 cricket.’

Majola said that South Africa’s own upcoming elections are not a concern as they last only one day as opposed to the month-long period that comprises the Indian schedule.