Security fears force India's IPL abroad
Monday, 23 March 2009
MUMBAI, Mar 22 (AFP) : Cricket's lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held abroad this year, organisers said Sunday, blaming the government for being unable to provide security at the same time as national elections.
The high-octane tournament, which pits star-studded teams against each other in the short-form Twenty20 format of the game, was eagerly awaited by millions of fans in India after its inaugural event last year proved a huge success.
But the security of players became a major worry after the Mumbai attacks in November and the specific targeting by armed militants of the Sri Lankan cricket team on tour in Pakistan earlier this month.
"Due to the attitude of the government that it cannot provide security for the tournament, we are forced to take a decision to move the IPL out of India," the country's cricket chief Shashank Manohar told reporters.
"A final decision on the venue will be announced in two to three days."
South Africa and England are the two countries being considered, an IPL source told AFP.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said the 59-match event, featuring top cricketers from around the world in eight teams owned by cash-rich franchises, would be held between April 10 and May 24.
"Matches will start at the same 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm prime slots Indian time, just like last year, irrespective of where the tournament is held," Modi said.
The high-octane tournament, which pits star-studded teams against each other in the short-form Twenty20 format of the game, was eagerly awaited by millions of fans in India after its inaugural event last year proved a huge success.
But the security of players became a major worry after the Mumbai attacks in November and the specific targeting by armed militants of the Sri Lankan cricket team on tour in Pakistan earlier this month.
"Due to the attitude of the government that it cannot provide security for the tournament, we are forced to take a decision to move the IPL out of India," the country's cricket chief Shashank Manohar told reporters.
"A final decision on the venue will be announced in two to three days."
South Africa and England are the two countries being considered, an IPL source told AFP.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said the 59-match event, featuring top cricketers from around the world in eight teams owned by cash-rich franchises, would be held between April 10 and May 24.
"Matches will start at the same 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm prime slots Indian time, just like last year, irrespective of where the tournament is held," Modi said.