South Africa to host 2009 IPL

The decision to host the tournament in South Africa followed a meeting in Johannesburg today between Cricket South Africa's CEO, Gerald Majola, and Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner of the IPL.

Modi said in a statement after the meeting: “We are very happy to confirm that South Africa will host the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League tournament.

“We would like to thank Cricket South Africa very much for the support they have given us over the past few days, which has helped us to come to this decision.

“The South African public loves T2O cricket and CSA successfully hosted the inaugural ICC World T20.

“Both these factors weighed heavily in South Africa's favour, and we look forward to a successful and exciting tournament being held at venues throughout South Africa.”

Majola said: “CSA is delighted to accept the invitation from Mr Modi to host the 2009 DFL Indian Premier League tournament.

“This is a great compliment to both CSA and our nation to be shown this confidence in our ability to hold one of the world's top sporting events at short notice.

“The organisers can be assured that they have the full support of CSA's structures and the South African public to stage a successful tournament.

“This event will strengthen the ties even further between South African and Indian cricket, as well as binding our nations even closer together.

“We are looking forward to hosting some of the world's best cricketers, and we can assure them they will be provided with the very best facilities to show their skills.

“Once again, our thanks go to Mr Modi and his team for choosing South Africa and we will do the IPL proud.”

The tournament will feature 59 matches from 18 April 2009, and fixtures will be announced in due course.