IPL ‘headed for SA’

Times Media - February 17, 2014

TELFORD VICE, Johannesburg

Part of this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) seems set to be played in SA in what would seem to be another part of the deal Cricket SA (CSA) struck with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last weekend.

CSA were originally opposed to an International Cricket Council proposal to put most of the authority in the game and much of the revenue the sport generates in the hands of India, England and Australia. They changed their position when the plan was put to a vote.

Four-test series against India in 2016 and 2018 were part of CSA’s reward for supporting the revamp, and Indian sources said yesterday that “a part of the tournament will be played in SA”.

SA would host the first half of the tournament to avoid a clash with the Indian elections.

Fixtures have yet to be finalised, but the IPL will be played between April 9 and June 3. The elections are scheduled from April 16 to May 13.

The Indian government does not have adequate resources to provide adequate security for both events, hence the decision to move the competition. The entire 2009 edition of the IPL was played in SA for the same reason.

CSA would earn a set fee for hosting the matches. Gate receipts would be the property of the BCCI.

CSA ignored requests for comment.