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South Africa to host second edition of IPL

Last updated on: March 24, 2009 20:52 IST

South Africa has been confirmed as host for the second season of the Indian Premier League.

According to reports, IPL chief Lalit Modi met with Cricket South Africa chief Gerald Majola in Johannesburg on Tuesday after which the African nation's decision to stage the Twenty20 tournament was made known.

Modi and Majola are scheduled to make an official announcement at 2030 IST.

The tournament, which was to commence on April 10 and end on May 24, will now begin on April 18.

South Africa was preferred ahead of England because of the fact that rain is inevitable in England during April and May. Added to that, the price of telecasting the matches, transport, accommodation and security, will cost less than half what it would be for the tournament to be held in England.

Majola has assured the Board of Control for Cricket in India top-class security for the cricketers and also use of the country's main stadiums.

The IPL was shifted out of India after its government failed to give clearance for the tournament citing inability to spare additional security forces as the dates clashed with those of the Lok Sabha elections.