Modi rules out more than four foreign players

The growing clamour for more than four foreign cricketers in the playing XI notwithstanding, Indian Premier League Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi has ruled out any such possibility for the time being.

"We have had quite few requests from the franchises on that. For the moment we will have only four overseas players in a playing XI," Modi said before the first semi-final between Delhi Daredevils and Deccan Chargers yesterday.

Kolkata Knight Riders coach John Buchanan and Delhi Daredevils coach Greg Shipperd have been openly demanding that more than four foreigners be allowed in the playing XI.

With IPL II becoming a huge hit in South Africa, Modi also hinted of coming back to the Rainbow nation in future.

"We are quite open on that. But we would like the tournament to be held in India only," he said.

Modi said this year's IPL was better coordinated and the logistics were better managed compared to last year's event.

"...we managed all the eight venues centrally. So there was a lot better co-ordination. Everything was managed and when the players reached the venue everything was ready," Modi said.

"I am sure the players will agree with me. That is something we can look at. The change in dressing rooms, the other teams used to arrive some hours before their game started, so ensuring the change over was something we had to manage.

"This was not the case last year in India when we had double headers because they were matches in different cities," he added.