IPL 2009 Moved to SA !!!!

After the security issues, IPL chief Lalit Modi along with other members of the committee had to decide on a venue, England and South Africa being the shortlisted options. The alternative host for the IPL series will be South Africa, with the tournament to begin on 17 April till 24 th May.
The matches are to be staged in the following six centres, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth and East London.

South Africa has been chosen over London due to various reasons. The inclement weather of Britain was one of the factors. The readiness of the South Africa for 2010 Football World Cup also helped them score over the Britain. The security issues and the lack of government assurance to guarantee safely due to the national elections happening at the same time made Lalit Modi reconsider the venues for the IPL match. Television timings due to the lesser difference in the time zones and the lesser cost in hosting the match made South Africa a more attractive option. The broadcasting rights are more complicated in Britain than in South Africa.
After all, TV rights, weather and cost effectiveness made South Africa a better choice. Indeed, a smart move!