Soon after the announcement of transferring of IPL2 abroad, insiders revealed that England could be the lucky destination for this season IPL. To assert the statement Lalith Modi, Sundara Raman and Dhiraj malhotra, respective post bearers in IPL2 community flew to England in March 23rd. But now things have taken a U – turn, as South Africa sounds to be the frontrunner in staging the tournament.
Interestingly Indian team which is present in Aukcland along with its support staff, were also very keen to stage IPL in England, as it can offer a valuable experience of conditions there, so that they can be well prepared for World cup later this June.
Even BCCI president Shasank Manohar and other authorities, expressed similar sentiments, but there sounds to be number of practical problems in staging IPL in England. As they have a domestic season at same time of IPL and also to organize a tournament in short span in England is not pragmatically feasible according to experts
Cost is also said to be crucial factor in derailing England chances in hosting IPL, as logistic costs like transport and players’ hotels accommodation is very costly compared to South Africa, which offers them the cheaper option.
There are rumours that illustrious relationship between Majola , south African cricket chief and Lalith Modi, who were joint co – founders of T 20 league can be also crucial in roping South Africa as a destination for 2nd edition of IPL.
Modi , who has left no stones unturned for IPL, would be soon visiting South Africa, to have an idea about logistics and cost. When queried on which could be possible destination he was quoted saying that he was booked on both ways.
But for the franchise and players, they are biased towards playing in England, as it can be a good platform to leverage fan support and coupled with ECB (English Cricket Board) is also keen in staging IPL2, not just because of money it is going to bring them, but also hype, which Cricket would get, could be a huge boost for the football dominated nation.
One has to wait and watch, whether practical and logistic problems England brings along could be resolved amicably, if yes, for sure England are hot favourites in hosting IPL2 and if not baton is most likely to be passed to other front runners South Africa.
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