One of the world’s most exciting cricket series has fallen in South Africa’s lap.
The super-rich Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Twenty20 spectacular takes place in SA from 18 April after fears for players’ safety forced India to change the venue.
Eight teams will compete: Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Daredevils, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Bangalore Royal Challengers, Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab.
The best team wins R21 million and the top two qualify for the Championship League in which the top two teams from South Africa, Australia and England also take part.
Matches will start at 12:30 and 16:30, convenient times for Indian TV. The opening ceremony and matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Venues, still to be announced, will probably be Johannesburg, Centurion, Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and East London, with the opening match at Newlands in Cape Town.
“It’s fantastic for the game in SA and I’m sure it’s going to be a huge success,” Proteas captain Graeme Smith said after the announcement. He’ll turn out for the Rajasthan Royals.
The series will boost not only cricket; it’s a fantastic bonus for the straining economy. “This tour will do wonders for South Africa’s image and our economy,” award-winning economist Mike Schüssler says. It could pump in more than R100 million.
“With about 400 players and Indian officials staying here and paying on average R1 000 a bed a night that’s R12 million extra for hotels - without counting the spectators.”
It’s also great practice for next year’s Fifa World Cup, a chance to test accommodation arrangements, public transport and safety measures.
It’s part of a feast of sport for SA this year - we’re also hosting the British and Irish Lions rugby team and soccer’s Confederations Cup.
Top players around the world stand to earn millions of rands by playing for the competing teams as owners and sponsors bid heavily for their services. Five South African players will be involved this year.
* Find more details on the tournament in the latest issue of YOU.
