South Africa’s love for T20, perfect weather earned them IPL-II

South Africa's love for T20 and perfect weather tipped the balance in their favour

South Africa's love for T20, perfect weather earned them IPL-II

South Africa's love for T20 and perfect weather tipped the balance in their favour

South Africa's history of organising world-class cricket events has helped them secure the staging of the second edition of the Indian Premier League, starting on April 18 eight days later than anticipated.

The massive opportunity of hosting 59 Twenty20 games in a space of just over 45 days is a huge fillip for the country which has hosted two successful ICC tournaments the 2003 World Cup and the World T20 two years ago.

Uncertainty ends
After weeks of uncertainty and acrimonious dealings with various state organisations in the country, Modi, who arrived in Johannesburg yesterday, announced that the 2009 edition of the IPL would take place in South Africa.u00a0

A beaming Majola said, "We are delighted. We are ecstatic. I cannot describe just how we at Cricket South Africa feel at the moment. The feeling is like one is floating in the air as this is a huge coup for South Africa not only for the game of cricket but for the country as a whole.

"This is a vote of confidence from one of the biggest cricketing nations in the world that we as South Africans have the ability, capability, the courage and a strong infrastructure to take on the biggest assignments at the drop of a hat.

"We will make it work. We will make the 2009 IPL a huge success. It will be a financial success as well as I know every affiliated union is gearing itself to make this second edition a roaring, roaring success."

Modi, who has been through a lot ever since the dates of the IPL and the general elections were announced, was a relieved man when he said: "We are very happy to confirm that South Africa will host the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League tournament.

Big history
"We would like to thank Cricket South Africa very much for the support they have given us over the past few days, which has helped us to come to this decision.

"The South African public loves T2O cricket and CSA successfully hosted the inaugural ICC World T20.

"Both these factors weighed heavily in South Africa's favour, and we look forward to a successful and exciting tournament being held at venues throughout South Africa."

The dates of the IPL have been moved back by eight days as the Australian tour of South Africa comes to an end on April 17 with the final one-day international at the Wanderers.

The first match and the official opening of second edition of the IPL will take place on April 18 at Sahara Park, Newlands in Cape Town. The Wanderers, which has a 30,000 capacity, will more than likely be the venue for the final u2013 expected to be on May 24.

The new fixture programme is expected to be announced soon by the IPL officials.

Meanwhile SuperSport, one of the country's biggest pay television services, announced that they would broadcast all 59 matches of the Indian Premier League cricket tournament live.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels