IPL 2009 matches to be held in South Africa - Cricket

It was a tought decision and many fans are disappointed, but atleast there is IPL match going to be held. South Africa will host the Indian Premier League this year - relocated because of security concerns after the Sri Lankan team was attacked. The Twenty20 event, which features some of the world's top players in eight teams, has been pushed back by more than a week and will now start on April 18. IPL chairman Lalit Modi and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola finalised arrangements during talks in Johannesburg.
"We are very happy to confirm that South Africa will host the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League tournament," Mr Modi said after the meeting.
Mr Majola added: "This is a great compliment to both CSA and our nation to be shown this confidence in our ability to hold one of the world's top sporting events at short notice."
England also was another choice but due to security reasons they have chosen South Africa. It had originally been scheduled to run from April 10 to May 24, which would have clashed with general elections in India between April 16 and May 13.
The weather, TV timings and cheaper costs of hosting the competition are thought to have made South Africa a more attractive option than Britain.
TV rights are also more straightforward in South Africa since Supersport holds the rights to both the IPL and international cricket in the country.
Venues in South Africa will also be free as the domestic cricket season ends on April 9. So cricket fans wait for this IPL 2009.