IPL will switch to South Africa
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
The Indian Premier League will now be hosted by South Africa after the decision was made to move it from India, BBC Sport understands.
Security concerns prompted IPL boss Lalit Modi to seek an alternative host, with South Africa chosen ahead of England, who wanted to stage the event.
Modi and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola are expected to confirm the switch at 1500 GMT.
The tournament will start on 17 April, with the final staged on 24 May.
Six centres will be used to stage the event, with matches due to be played in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.
The decision is a major coup for South Africa, who will enjoy the financial benefits of hosting such a high-profile tournament as well as underline their readiness to host the football World Cup in 2010.
Modi had 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.
England were thought to be the early favourites to stage the tournament in India's stead, but it appears that the country's inclement weather has played a part in it not being chosen.
Modi had earlier told an Indian TV station: "Weather could be a problem. Moreover because of the London Marathon (26 April) there could be a problem finding hotel rooms for some days.
There are other factors that render South Africa a more attractive option, including television 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. — BBC
Security concerns prompted IPL boss Lalit Modi to seek an alternative host, with South Africa chosen ahead of England, who wanted to stage the event.
Modi and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola are expected to confirm the switch at 1500 GMT.
The tournament will start on 17 April, with the final staged on 24 May.
Six centres will be used to stage the event, with matches due to be played in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.
The decision is a major coup for South Africa, who will enjoy the financial benefits of hosting such a high-profile tournament as well as underline their readiness to host the football World Cup in 2010.
Modi had 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.
England were thought to be the early favourites to stage the tournament in India's stead, but it appears that the country's inclement weather has played a part in it not being chosen.
Modi had earlier told an Indian TV station: "Weather could be a problem. Moreover because of the London Marathon (26 April) there could be a problem finding hotel rooms for some days.
There are other factors that render South Africa a more attractive option, including television 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. — BBC