IPL opening day's tickets sold out

Tickets for the double-header on the opening day of Indian Premier League's second edition at Cape Town in South Africa, on April 18, were sold out within hours of going on sale online, on Friday.

Few tickets remain to be sold for the second day's double-header on April 19 at the same venue -- Sahara Park in Newlands, the organisers said.

Commenting on the sale of the IPL tickets online at www.cumputicket.com, Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of the cash-rich tournament, expressed hope that the first day of the Twenty20 league will see "a dream start for season 2009".

The first day's double-header pits last year's runners-up Chennai Super Kings with Mumbai Indians. That will be followed by defending champions Rajasthan Royals versus Royal Challengers Bangalore.

On April 19, Delhi Daredevils clash with Kings XI Punjab, while Deccan Chargers take on Kolkata Knight Riders.

The preliminary round-robin phase of the tournament will see 56 matches over 34 days at eight venues -- Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Pretoria, East London, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley.

The two semi-finals will be held on May 22 and 23 at Pretoria and Johannesburg respectively, while the final at Johannesburg on May 24.