SA ready to face ground realities for IPL

The chief executives of all Cricket South Africa's affiliates have been told to be on standby for an emergency meeting this week.

SA ready to face ground realities for IPL

The chief executives of all Cricket South Africa's affiliates have been told to be on standby for an emergency meeting this week.

This is, according to one chief executive officer, an indication that the mega-bucks thrill a minute IPL with all its frills the dancing girls and the Bollywood stars included are headed for South Africa from April 10 to May 24.
u00a0
"We've been told to be on standby for what could be an important meeting," said a chief executive officer, who did not want to be named.

"It looks as though CSA have agreed in principle to host the extravaganza but needed to get all the role-players from the various venues to rubber stamp the invitation to stage what could be the biggest ever tournament in the history of South African cricket. We, as an affiliate of CSA, are very excited at the prospect of hosting the event even though there may be a cross over of the current Australian tour which comes to an end on April 17."

The venues being mooted for the 45-day 59-match IPL Twenty20 tournament are: Wanderers in Johannesburg, SuperSport Park in Centurion, Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban, Sahara Oval St George's Park in Port Elizabeth, Sahara Park Newlands in Cape Town, OutSurance Park in Bloemfontein, Senwes Park in Potchefstroom and Buffalo Park in East London.

The eight centres are international class venues, which have hosted international matches in the past and are recognised by touring teams to South Africa.

And it would give each of the eight teams Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings and the Royal Challengers a home venue for the duration of the event.

The chief executive also added that there was excitement in the air following the successful Australian tour to South Africa and the recent announcement that the ICC Champions Trophy would be staged here in October.

'While cricket lovers in India may feel a little aggrieved that the event is being shifted abroad we are excited at the prospect of staging the IPL at our venue," he said.

"We cannot await the confirmation it will be a huge bonus for all the major centres in this country."

Meanwhile Gerald Majola, chief executive of Cricket South Africa who is a close ally of the BCCI, has indicated that his organisation are "ready to stage the IPL".

This he said at the weekend after first denying the prospect of staging the IPL in South Africa.

Lalit Modi, commissioner of the IPL, is currently in England, who are also in the running to stage the event, is expected in South Africa early today.

The final announcement as to where the second edition of the IPL will be staged is expected to be made on Tuesday morning (SA time).