Saturday, April 18, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Anything for IPL!
IPL has leveraged enough publicity for a past month, that there is little surprise their official broadcasters Sony Entertainment is said to generate revenue of around 500 crores of revenue.
But drama and hype surrounding IPL doesn’t sound to cease down even an Iota. Earlier in the day Maharasthra Director General pumped the arteries of IPL officials, stating that it’s better for IPL authorities to postpone the event owing to election.
In fact he derided IPL stating that just because for few rich business men, one cannot strangle the loyal police officials, who will be in the election duty. But much to relief of the IPL authorities, Maharashtra commissioner, Hasaan Gafoor gave a different version, stating that, since IPL is not scheduled during elections; adequate security would be deposited, to spin the tournament.
If Maharashtra government would have shown even slightest declination, it means literally cancellation of the tournament. As around 14 matches are scheduled to be held in Mumbai including Opening ceremony and closing ceremony.
It seems that Ministry of affairs would take much more time, to give consent to IPL. But Lalith Modi, IPL chairman is not willing to wait for government confirmation and have sprung into action.
In fact he has already prepared multiple schedules, in case if Government is not gratified with one, they can always forge ahead with other one without waste of any precious time. As tournament is not even a month away, franchises are also very eager to acquire a clear cut answer for IPL schedule, so that they can commence ticket sales and advertising deals.
Meanwhile Rajsthan Chief Minister Gehlot and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila dixit have written a letter to Ministry of External Affairs, to allow hosting of IPL matches, in their respective cities venues.
Mean while Andrew Bloodhood, an English men, who was responsible for developing concept of IPL last year along with Modi, sounded optimistic about the tournament being held. In fact he said that tournament would not be cut short and there will be no reduction in those 44 matches.
Even though, he did consent that, there are few logistic problems between government and IPL authorities; it could be solved with plenty of venue options available in India. He said that if authorities doesn’t want matches played there before certain time, then they will move them elsewhere, even Inter – state and with prudent scheduling both IPL and elections can take place with solace.
For all these gentle men efforts and aspirations, IPL will surely set its eyes on dawn from dusk sooner.
But drama and hype surrounding IPL doesn’t sound to cease down even an Iota. Earlier in the day Maharasthra Director General pumped the arteries of IPL officials, stating that it’s better for IPL authorities to postpone the event owing to election.
In fact he derided IPL stating that just because for few rich business men, one cannot strangle the loyal police officials, who will be in the election duty. But much to relief of the IPL authorities, Maharashtra commissioner, Hasaan Gafoor gave a different version, stating that, since IPL is not scheduled during elections; adequate security would be deposited, to spin the tournament.
If Maharashtra government would have shown even slightest declination, it means literally cancellation of the tournament. As around 14 matches are scheduled to be held in Mumbai including Opening ceremony and closing ceremony.
It seems that Ministry of affairs would take much more time, to give consent to IPL. But Lalith Modi, IPL chairman is not willing to wait for government confirmation and have sprung into action.
In fact he has already prepared multiple schedules, in case if Government is not gratified with one, they can always forge ahead with other one without waste of any precious time. As tournament is not even a month away, franchises are also very eager to acquire a clear cut answer for IPL schedule, so that they can commence ticket sales and advertising deals.
Meanwhile Rajsthan Chief Minister Gehlot and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila dixit have written a letter to Ministry of External Affairs, to allow hosting of IPL matches, in their respective cities venues.
Mean while Andrew Bloodhood, an English men, who was responsible for developing concept of IPL last year along with Modi, sounded optimistic about the tournament being held. In fact he said that tournament would not be cut short and there will be no reduction in those 44 matches.
Even though, he did consent that, there are few logistic problems between government and IPL authorities; it could be solved with plenty of venue options available in India. He said that if authorities doesn’t want matches played there before certain time, then they will move them elsewhere, even Inter – state and with prudent scheduling both IPL and elections can take place with solace.
For all these gentle men efforts and aspirations, IPL will surely set its eyes on dawn from dusk sooner.
IPL, now truly a global phenomenon
Due to Indian elections, Lahore Bomb attacks, Mumbai terror attack as now IPL is going to flaunt in a global platform. In a recent working committee meeting of BCCI, decision was arrived to shift ipl cricket to off- shore due to various security constraints caused by impending elections.
BCCI president Shasank Manohar told the press, that they had no option other than moving IPL out of India and this spontaneous decision was arrived, after both Maharsthra and Andhra police declined to assure adequate security. He also solicited forgiveness from people of India, but said that they are left with no other decision.
BCCI president also hinted as South Africa or England as a possible destination in staging in IPL, which would be clear within two to three days, as they have approached few of their counterpart boards for staging IPL.
Lalith Modi, IPL chairman said that tournament would most likely pursue previously issued schedule and also match timings would be also similar as mentioned in previous schedule (i.e.) 1400 GMT and 20.00 GMT.
He was quoted saying that, they had no other option, but to transfer the tournament outside India and also they can’s host a truncated IPL, because it would deride the whole competitive flavour of the tournament. He also reiterated the fact, that the move was taken keeping in mind all franchise owners and players interests in mind.
Nita Ambai , Mumbai Indians Franchise co – owner when queried about move of IPL authorities said that basically she was happy with the fact that tournament is not cancelled and even though it could be disappointing that Indian audience cannot witness them live, they can avail live coverage of IPL.
Both Sharukh Khan and Priety Zinta co – owners of Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings XI also expressed similar sentiments ,like their Mubai franchise counterparts stating ,that they elections are top priority in this country without question than IPL.
Manoj Badale, co – owner of Rajasthan Royals expressed hope, that this move can help franchise to brand their teams globally and it can facilitate them to gain global reputation rather than backfiring on them.
It seems, that it will take around 2 – 3 days, to emerge exactly on which country IPL is going to be played and in which exact schedule tournament is going to be ensued. But one thing is cocksure IPL is truly and globally on.
Monday, April 6, 2009
IPL tickets on soaring demand?
For all the experts, who had second thoughts about the IPL success in South Africa, get ready to raise your eye brows, as tickets for the opening double header of IPL has been said to be sold out.
Lalith Modi, the IPL chairman stated, that the online ticket sales for IPL, has been kick-started through computicket.com, has gained a huge reception. Al ready opening day matches, which features Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings along with Rajasthan royals and Bangalore Royal challengers has been sold – out.
Also double header match next day, where Delhi Dare Devils take on Punjab Kings XI and Deccan Chargers face – off with Kolkata Knight Riders are also nearing sold – out.
Travel agencies and airlines, who realized ,that IPL can be a huge arena for them, to galvanize their business has come with some attractive tour packages to South Africa, for visiting matches.
Lalith Modi reported about more than 700 confirmed air bookings for watching IPL this season and also added that, reception is encouraging not only in India, but also Middle – east and other countries.
Travel agencies like Thomas cook, SOTC, Expedia have put together special travel packages for people, so that they can fly to South Africa to have live experience of IPL.
Thomas Cook is offering an all- inclusive four days three nights package (except for airport taxes, lunch, and dinner) for 43,000 rupees. Nalini Gupta, the marketing head of Thomas Cook said that they are offering affordable packages, so that as many people could have live experience of the match.
SOTC is offering travel packages to South Africa for 60, 000 rupees (excluding airport taxes and dinner), which includes match ticket, sightseeing and also visa charges and also Expedia has already listed 10 popular destinations, in South Africa, to be combined with IPL schedule and also has offered a fifty percent discount on hotel bookings.
Travel agencies infer good reception for IPL Live in SA because the place is said to be a lucky and attractive destination, as India won the world cup T 20 recently in this place. Travel agencies like Yatra also informed about the huge increase in enquires regarding IPL, which has been increasing every day.
IPL ticket sales and reception has come as a huge testimony for its global appeal, which has been generated within a short span and no doubt South African tourism and hotel industry would have their cash register ringing in this season of IPL.
Lalith Modi, the IPL chairman stated, that the online ticket sales for IPL, has been kick-started through computicket.com, has gained a huge reception. Al ready opening day matches, which features Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings along with Rajasthan royals and Bangalore Royal challengers has been sold – out.
Also double header match next day, where Delhi Dare Devils take on Punjab Kings XI and Deccan Chargers face – off with Kolkata Knight Riders are also nearing sold – out.
Travel agencies and airlines, who realized ,that IPL can be a huge arena for them, to galvanize their business has come with some attractive tour packages to South Africa, for visiting matches.
Lalith Modi reported about more than 700 confirmed air bookings for watching IPL this season and also added that, reception is encouraging not only in India, but also Middle – east and other countries.
Travel agencies like Thomas cook, SOTC, Expedia have put together special travel packages for people, so that they can fly to South Africa to have live experience of IPL.
Thomas Cook is offering an all- inclusive four days three nights package (except for airport taxes, lunch, and dinner) for 43,000 rupees. Nalini Gupta, the marketing head of Thomas Cook said that they are offering affordable packages, so that as many people could have live experience of the match.
SOTC is offering travel packages to South Africa for 60, 000 rupees (excluding airport taxes and dinner), which includes match ticket, sightseeing and also visa charges and also Expedia has already listed 10 popular destinations, in South Africa, to be combined with IPL schedule and also has offered a fifty percent discount on hotel bookings.
Travel agencies infer good reception for IPL Live in SA because the place is said to be a lucky and attractive destination, as India won the world cup T 20 recently in this place. Travel agencies like Yatra also informed about the huge increase in enquires regarding IPL, which has been increasing every day.
IPL ticket sales and reception has come as a huge testimony for its global appeal, which has been generated within a short span and no doubt South African tourism and hotel industry would have their cash register ringing in this season of IPL.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Why England lost the IPL race to South Africa
The moment Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi switched his travel plans to go Johannesburg instead of London, it was evident where the second edition of the Twenty20 cricket tournament is headed.
Modi dropped enough hints in his now famous late night exclusive interviews to Indian television channels to suit the prime time overseas, that South Africa is his preference, the fickle late winter weather ruling England out.
He said the organisers needed to take the weather pattern into account besides other factors like the April 26 London marathon which could make getting rooms extremely difficult. And then there is the English County season and the Test and One-day series against the West Indies.
Importantly, in this time of recession, the cost of holding the tournament will be cheaper in South Africa than in England, though the overall expenses will go a manifold because of the switch from India.
The other vexed problem for the organisers was the TV rights issue. In South Africa, Supersport has the rights to the IPL as well as all international cricket played in the country whereas in England Setanta holds the IPL rights and Sky Sports the international rights. Sky will have to telecast the England-West Indies series when the IPL would be on.
Modi had made it clear that South Africa is a more attractive proposition what with their domestic season ending before the IPL gets underway. In England, some key venues will not be available for the IPL games without disrupting their domestic programme.
Moreover, South Africa is closer to India and that would give a time advantage over England.
Importantly, in this time of recession, the cost of holding the tournament will be cheaper in South Africa than in England, though the overall expenses will go a manifold because of the switch from India.
The other vexed problem for the organisers was the TV rights issue. In South Africa, Supersport has the rights to the IPL as well as all international cricket played in the country whereas in England Setanta holds the IPL rights and Sky Sports the international rights. Sky will have to telecast the England-West Indies series when the IPL would be on.
Simply put, South Africa has good stadiums, impeccable facilities and perfect weather to boot. Of course, the presence of Indian diaspora will be as good as it is in England and they all enjoy the shortest version of the game as seen in the Twenty20 World Championship two years ago.
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