Mumbai: The Indian Cricket Board has decided to shift the second edition of the high profile Indian Premier League from India.
Senior BCCI officials confirmed in a press conference in Mumbai after the BCCI working committee meeting on Sunday that the government's inability to promise adequate security for the tournament forced the organisers to move the tournament away from India.
Although it is not yet certain if the tournament is going to be conducted in England or South Africa, the games will happen at 4 pm and 8 pm (IST). Also, the format and dates of the tournament will remain the same.
BCCI President Shashank Manohar and IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi jointly addressed the press conference here on Sunday, saying the venues will be finalised within two to three days. BCCI is still in talks with other boards on holding the tournaments.
"Because of the attitude of the government that they are not ready to spare security forces for the cricket tournament... we are forced to take the decision to move the event out of India," Manohar said.
"So the Board has decided to take the tournament out of the country. We are in discussion with other Boards who are willing to host the event. I apologise to the people of India for moving the tournament out," Manohar added.
He criticised the Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra governments who were the first to express their inability to provide security to the tournament.
The BCCI earns about Rs 700 crore from every IPL season, that will go down in drain if the tournament is shifted out of the nation.
"Revenue is not a concern, integirty of the tournament is important," added Lalit Modi.
As the most visible cost, the players have not been paid yet.
Total industry losses can rise to an estimated Rs 2000 crore in case of a cancellation, besides adversely affecting the revenue model of the IPL. Each franchisee also stands to lose a minimum of Rs 28-30 crore in potential revenue if the event is not staged.
There are hidden costs like paying the players and support staff 10 per cent of their salaries. The money from team sponsors, individual pouring partners, gate receipts and hoardings will also not come in.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa announced on Sunday that it had had an official request from the BCCI to be a possible host for the second edition of the IPL.
"We received an official approach this morning to be one of several options they are considering to host the tournament outside India," Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola said. "At this stage we are looking forward to holding discussions with IPL officials to discuss the proposal in detail."
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