IPL 7 league stage in South Africa, playoffs in India

Five years after it created an unforgettable buzz in South Africa, the money-churning Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to return to the Safari country once again. 

The Indian Home Department has declared that it cannot provide security for the event due to general elections held in April-May. IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal told all eight franchises on Friday morning that the tournament will move to South Africa, but return to the country on May 10 or 11 after the elections are over. 

The final dates of IPL 7 will only be announced after  the dates for general elections are announced. As the present scenario goes, IPL 7 is now most likely to be played in SA between April and May. All the league matches are to be held in South Africa whereas playoffs, including the Final are to be held in India.

The exact schedule will be announced at the end of this month and the news is that all franchises are okay with this idea. IPL governing council as well as the BCCI working committee is supposed to meet in Bhubaneswar on February 28 where a final decision on this issue will be made. 

 

MI wants opening match at Wankhede 

Defending champions of the IPL, Mumbai Indians, had won the right to host the opening match of the 7th edition. Mumbai tried their best to convince the IPL governing council as well as various team owners that at least the opening match should be held in the country and then shift the league to South Africa, but their proposal was rejected as it was logically unfeasible.