South Africa Chosen as Safe Alternative for Indian Cricket Tournament

Amid concerns over crime and attacks related to the country's upcoming elections, the 2009 Indian Premier League will move out of India and take place in South Africa. The tournament is set to begin in April, and South Africa was chosen as the neutral-ground host over England, bolstering the country's credibility as an able host for major international events.

"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," said Cricket South Africa's CEO, Gerald Majola.

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

The Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in India announced Sunday that it was shifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) out of the country because the tournament would coincide with general elections.

There were also concerns about a recent attack on a Sri Lankan cricket team in neighboring Pakistan, as well as a lingering sentiment about the November terrorist attacks in Mumbai.

Source:
South Africa will host IPL Twenty20 cricket
CNN
Match 24, 2009