Lalit Modi: Weather was deciding factor

Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 11:03 am

The suspense over the Indian Premier League season two has finally ended. TIMES NOW caught up with IPL chief Lalit Modi in Johannesberg, in an exclusive chat. Modi says that the weather was the key deciding factor to host the tournament in South Africa and not in England.

Why was it decided to take IPL out of India?

Modi: We decided to take IPL out of India primarily because it conflicted with the election dates and the government wasn’t able to provide the adequate security for the games and the stadiums on those dates. The elections are ending on 13th May so it was not practical to start on May 14th and end on May 24th. That was the primary reason.

Why have you chosen South Africa over England to host the tournament?

Modi: I think both are great countries. We are extremely greatful to both the countries for inviting. It was primarily the weather conditions at this time of the year in South Africa that made us go for it. The analysis that the team had given us was that 70 per cent of the games that were to be played in England would have had as good chance of being washed out and we didnt want our fans in India and around the world of not being able to watch the game and waiting for the games to start. In South Africa at least we are sure that 100 per cent of the gamers can be played and watched by the public.

What is it that made you select South Africa over India?

Modi: Keeping all things equal, I think they both are excellent countries in terms of infrastructure, in terms of fan-base and in terms of everything else. The overwhleming factor was the weather only.

What are the financial implications of the IPL being hosted in South Africa?

Modi: There are financial implications but we have kept thast aside. I’ve asked my team to work without taking that into account and just ensure that the quality of the game and the etertainment value that we were to provide will be 100 per cent as were to do in India.

What time will the matches be roadcast?

Modi: The matches will be broadcasted at a double header, at 4 O’clock in the evening and 8 O’clock in the evening.

Any messages to the Indian fans?

Modi: Well they have seen the IPL go through a lot of ups and downs over the last few weeks and I am glad that I can finally confirm to them that IPL is happening. Unfotunatel it is not starting on 10 April, but on 18 April. They are going to get to watch the 59 matches. It is not a truncated event, It is a full event, which has all 18 teams participating.

( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by APakistanNews.Com.)

Lalit Modi: Weather was deciding factor

From World:

Todays news from Sports News

Advertisement

Email Subscription

Advertisement