South Africa to host IPL
Updated on 24 March 2009
Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi is expected to announce that South Africa will host the relocated IPL.
Modi and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola have been meeting in Johannesburg to discuss the possibility of South Africa hosting the six-week tournament, which is due to start in just 17 days' time.
It is believed Modi could make the decision before he even assesses the advantages of holding the tournament in England, with him seeking a quick resolution as the competition begins in just over a fortnight's time.
Before flying out to Johannesburg Modi indicated that his preference was for the tournament to be played in South Africa, with the weather in England a key factor: "We will have to evaluate clearly and carefully before coming to a decision about the venue. We need to take the weather pattern into consideration," he said.
"Weather could be a problem and moreover because of the London Marathon [on April 26], there could be a problem finding hotel rooms for some days. There's also the Test series between West Indies and England we have to take into account."
There are other factors which make South Africa a more attractive option including TV timings, with South Africa closer to India in terms of time zones, while the cost of holding the tournament is thought to be cheaper in the African nation.
The venues in South Africa will also be free with their domestic season conveniently finishing a day before the IPL is due to begin on April 10.
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