IPL to be a small screen event for Indians this time

THE HUNT IS OVER: The IPL organisers have finalised South Africa as the venue for the IPL season two.

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New Delhi: Indian cricket fans will now have to shell out a fair bit more than usual if they wish to see their favourite Indian Premier (IPL) team in action. The IPL organisers have finalised South Africa as the venue for the second season and the tickets will obviously be more expensive this time.

"During World Cup ICC T20 in 2007, I was struck by the massive passion of the fans and the great enthusiasm for the game of T20. It was actually the T20 games that took place in South Africa which actually led to the creation of the Indian Premier League and its success,” said Lalit Modi.

But while Lalit has pulled off a rabbit from his hat, India's players remain unconvinced.

They have a week at home but they know that playing for their home teams in a foreign land isn't quite the same.

“It is tough to spend time away from home. This will force us to spend probably 45 days more away from home and that is quite tough,” says cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, who is a part of Mukesh Ambani’s Mumbai team for IPL.

The South Africans though are eagerly waiting for the IPL, an injection of money into the economy at this time will be a definite boost.

A huge Indian population can be expected to flock to the stadiums, especially as tickets will be priced moderately and cricket South Africa is eagerly waiting for the games to begin.

“It is an honour, all the world players are coming to South Africa. And secondly we will be paid something to host the event,” says chief executive officer, United Cricket Board of South Africa, Gerald Majola.

The good news for the fans though is that this summer cricket will once again rule the small screen. All they need is to throw a switch on the remote and they will be transported to IPL season two.