24 March,2009 08:25 AM IST | | Correspondent
Cricket changed after IPL'su00a0 first edition, but for the second to be successful in England or SA, the officials need to embrace some changes as well. Here's what they should do.... Pakistani players, especially Sohail Tanvir shone during IPL's first edition.
Make new stars
Players like Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Flintoff and Paul Collingwood can be used to promote IPL if the tournament is to be held in England. This does not mean they are given icon status like Indian cricketers but since they are hugely popular in their homeland, they can be used as brand ambassadors to ensure a huge following. The same would be the case with Graeme Smith, Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis, if South Africa host the event.
No restrictions
If the IPL has to repeat its last year's success, the governing council will have to look closely at amending the rule that allows only four international players per side in the playing XI.
Not many outside India will know the Indian domestic players and so will not be excited to rush to the ground to see them. But if you have six or seven international cricketers, the crowds would definitely want to watch them in action.
Allow Pak players
Lalit Modi said that Pakistan players will miss out as they were not included in the final list of players for this year's IPL. But if the IPL has to be held in England or South Africa, the inclusion of players from Pakistan will also encourage Pakistani expatriates who are present in both countries in large numbers. They will certainly add more colour to the tournament especially when, for the first time, everyone will see Indians and Pakistanis cheering for the same side.
Generate support
Get locals to register online with the team they will be supporting. They should also have special packages which include meeting the players, special seats and also similar travels schedule throughout the IPL including staying in the same hotels. Even Premiership footballers if the tournament is in England or rugby players if it is in South Africa could be signed as brand ambassadors for each team.
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Make it like home
Try and make the whole atmosphere as Indian as possible with Hindi music and Indian cheergirls rather than foreigners. Even the commentators should be the same as last year. The opening and closing ceremony should be performed only by Indian artists with a theme revolving around 'home away from home' concept.
Attention to detail
If possible, each venue should be designed according to the team it is hosting. For example Rajasthan's home ground should give the feel of Rajasthan or the Delhi Daredevils' ground could have a host of Punjabi joints serving authentic food.
