CRICKET: Cricket authorities in England and South Africa have expressed their willingness to stage the Indian Premier League tournament after it was confirmed today that the tournament would have to be played abroad.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced today they will be moving the tournament overseas after the home ministry refused to sanction central security forces for the event as it clashes with general elections in the country.
South Africa, England and the United Arab Emirates have now emerged as front-runners to host the event and England and Wales Cricket Board chairman Giles Clarke indicated his organisation’s willingness to listen to anything the BCCI had to say.
“We have a very good relationship with the BCCI if they need any help on matters,” he told BBC Radio. “We normally talk to them a great deal and we would be delighted to help again.”
A decision on the venue for the Indian Premier League will be taken “in the next 24 hours”, according to Rajasthan Royals chief executive Manoj Badale.
Cricket South Africa confirmed the IPL had contacted them on the possibility of hosting the second edition of the tournament, which is due to start on April 10th and conclude on May 24th.
“We received an official approach this morning to be one of several options they are considering to host the tournament outside India,” said CSA chief executive officer Gerald Majola.
“We do not know what the other options are and it is not for us to comment on that. At this stage we are looking forward to holding discussions with IPL officials to discuss the proposal in detail.
“It is a huge compliment to Cricket South Africa’s organisational skills, facilities and infrastructure that we are being asked to host another major international event.”
The BCCI decided at an emergency working committee meeting to hold the tournament outside India despite their “best efforts” to avoid such a scenario.
“At an emergency working committee meeting of the board, we considered all aspects of the matter,” BCCI president Shashank Manohar said.
“We are aware that the people of India love this event and have given us great support last year and are eager for this year’s event. We made our best efforts to see that the event takes place in India.”
Rajasthan Royals chief executive Badale admitted the UAE was also a possible destination and hinted that the weather in England in early April could pose a problem.