IPL Schedule Announced! Cape Town to Open and Johannersburg to Close!

IPL schedule was announced and the first match starts on April 18. Two matches are played on the opening day in Cape Town. The matches are played at 4 PM and 8 PM IST, so if you cannot watch the 4 PM match in full, you can watch the 8 PM match.

The disappointing news is that, on a single match days also the match begins at 4 PM which could have been changed to 8 PM to give room for everyone to watch the match.

The venues and the number of matches in each venue:

Venue	Matches
Bloemfontein	2
Cape Town	8
Centurion	10
Durban	16
East London	4
Johannesburg	8
Kimberley	2
Port Elizabeth	7
Supersport Park	2
Total	59

Cape Town to host the first match of the IPL season 2 whereas Johannersburg to host one semi-final and the grand final on May 23. The detailed schedule:

Abbreviations:

CSK = Chennai Super Kings; DC = Hyderabad Deccan Chargers; DD = Delhi Daredevils; KKR = Kolkata Knight Riders; KXI = Kings XI Punjab; MI = Mumbai Indians; RC = Bangalore Royal Challengers; RR = Rajasthan Royals

Schedule:

Match #	Date	Teams	Time IST	Venue
1	Sat Apr 18	MI v. CSK	4:00 PM	Cape Town
2	Sat Apr 18	RR v. RC	8:00 PM	Cape Town
3	Sun Apr 19	DD v. KXI	4:00 PM	Cape Town
4	Sun Apr 19	DC v. KKR	8:00 PM	Cape Town
5	Mon Apr 20	RC v. CSK	8:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
6	Tue Apr 21	KXI v. KKR	4:00 PM	Durban
7	Tue Apr 21	MI v. RR	8:00 PM	Durban
8	Wed Apr 22	RC v. DC	8:00 PM	Cape Town
9	Thu Apr 23	CSK v. DD	4:00 PM	Durban
10	Thu Apr 23	KKR v. RR	8:15 PM	Cape Town
11	Fri Apr 24	RC v. KXI	8:00 PM	Durban
12	Sat Apr 25	DC v. MI	4:00 PM	Durban
13	Sat Apr 25	CSK v. KKR	8:15 PM	Cape Town
14	Sun Apr 26	RC v. DD	4:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
15	Sun Apr 26	KXI v. RR	8:15 PM	Cape Town
16	Mon Apr 27	CSK v. DC	4:00 PM	Durban
17	Mon Apr 27	KKR v. MI	8:15 PM	Port Elizabeth
18	Tue Apr 28	DD v. RR	8:00 PM	Centurion
19	Wed Apr 29	RC v. KKR	4:00 PM	Durban
20	Wed Apr 29	KXI v. MI	8:00 PM	Durban
21	Thu Apr 30	DC v. DD	4:00 PM	Centurion
22	Thu Apr 30	CSK v. RR	8:00 PM	Centurion
23	Fri May 1	KKR v. MI	4:00 PM	East London
24	Fri May 1	RC v. KXI	8:15 PM	Durban
25	Sat May 2	DC v. RR	4:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
26	Sat May 2	CSK v. DD	8:15 PM	Johannersburg
27	Sun May 3	KXI v. KKR	4:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
28	Sun May 3	RC v. MI	8:15 PM	Johannersburg
29	Mon May 4	CSK v. DC	8:00 PM	East London
30	Tue May 5	KXI v. RR	4:00 PM	Durban
31	Tue May 5	DD v. KKR	8:00 PM	Durban
32	Wed May 6	DC v. MI	8:00 PM	Centurion
33	Thu May 7	RC v. RR	4:00 PM	Centurion
34	Thu May 7	CSK v. KXI	8:00 PM	Centurion
35	Fri May 8	DD v. MI	8:00 PM	East London
36	Sat May 9	DC v. KXI	4:00 PM	Kimberly
37	Sat May 9	CSK v. RR	8:00 PM	Kimberly
38	Sun May 10	RC v. MI	4:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
39	Sun May 10	DD v. KKR	8:15 PM	Johannersburg
40	Mon May 11	DC v. RR	8:00 PM	Kimberly
41	Tue May 12	RC v. KKR	4:00 PM	Centurion
42	Tue May 12	KXI v. MI	8:00 PM	Centurion
43	Wed May 13	DC v. DD	8:00 PM	Durban
44	Thu May 14	RC v. CSK	4:00 PM	Durban
45	Thu May 14	MI v. RR	8:00 PM	Durban
46	Fri May 15	DD v. KXI	8:00 PM	Bloemfontein
47	Sat May 16	CSK v. MI	4:00 PM	Port Elizabeth
48	Sat May 16	DC v. KKR	8:15 PM	Johannersburg
49	Sun May 17	DC v. KXI	4:00 PM	Johannersburg
50	Sun May 17	DD v. RR	8:15 PM	Bloemfontein
51	Mon May 18	CSK v. KKR	8:00 PM	Centurion
52	Tue May 19	RC v. DD	8:00 PM	Johannersburg
53	Wed May 20	KKR v. RR	4:00 PM	Durban
54	Wed May 20	CSK v. KXI	8:00 PM	Durban
55	Thu May 21	DD v. MI	4:00 PM	Centurion
56	Thu May 21	RC v. DC	8:00 PM	Centurion
57	Fri May 22	1st Semi Final	8:00 PM	Centurion
58	Sat May 23	2nd Semi Final	8:00 PM	Johannersburg
59	Sun May 24	Final	8:00 PM	Johannersburg

PIL against IPL!

A Public Interest Litigation was filed IPL move to South Africa. For more news click here!

I was not consulted: Ganguly

Reacting to the question about the "Four Captains" theory by John Buchanan, former coach of Austrlian Cricket Team, Ganguly said that he was not consulted on this topic. He also said that he is not sure whether it would work.

"Tomorrow I can jump out and say we need four batting coaches, four John Buchanans and Shah Rukh Khan can say we need six Andy Bichels," Ganguly told NDTV. "These are all opinions; these are the way they are thinking how Twenty20 cricket can be played. We'll have to wait and see because it's completely new, it has never happened in sports."

He said that he came to know about it only through media and no one told him about this plan. Thought it is not yet implemented, no one gave him information about this. "On Tuesday, John mooted the idea to me," Ganguly told Times of India. "All I can say is that I was not consulted on this. Frankly, it's a new concept. It may work, it may not. There are no guarantees in sport."

He further added, "Frankly speaking, I doubt whether the likes of McCullum or Gayle too would have heard about such a concept. I am sure it will be new to them. At least, I have never been part of a team with four captains. We all need to first find out how it works."

IPL Moves to South Africa!

After visiting both England and South Africa, Lalit Modi, The Commissioner of IPL has decided that South Africa is the best option for second season of IPL.

Though so many players expressed shock and disappointed over the move, IPL committee is clear that they did not have any other option for ensuring the continuity of the event.

After the decision to move out of India was taken, two alternate venues were considered--England and South Africa.

Though both the countries had their own positives and negatives, finally South Africa edged out England and was chosen as the venue for the 2nd season of IPL.

The decision was made after a meeting between the IPL commissioner, Lalit Modi, and the Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive, Gerald Majola, in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The matches will commence on April 18, which is one week later than the original schedule.

I am Disappointed with the IPL Shift: Flintoff

BCCI's decision not only shocked and disappointed Sachin, but also the England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff. Though he is not playing against the West Indies due to fitness, he was keen in participating in the IPL.

He was bought for USD 1.5 million by IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings. He did not play season 1. This is the highest price paid for a cricketer and he beat Dhoni along with Pietersen. Both Flintoff and Pietersen were bought for USD 1.5 million each by CSK and Bangalore Royal Challengers.

BCCI took surprise decision on Sunday to move the IPL out of India. Two venues in considerations are England and South Africa. Though revised schedules were provided by IPL, the government said that it may not be possible to provide adequate security for the entire 45 days becuase the dates were clasing with general elections.

"It's disappointing news because one of the big attractions for me about the IPL was playing in India. I love playing cricket in India, particularly the one-day cricket," Flintoff was quoted as saying in the Daily Telegraph.

"I've never played a Twenty20 match over there but I can imagine it will be an unbelievable experience because as a player you don't get a chance very often to play in front of big crowds of 40,000 to 50,000 people."

"It's unfortunate but if we don't do that this year then hopefully we can do it again next year," said Flintoff. It would make it logistically easier to have it at home (in England)," he said.

"It would be good to spend some more time at home, so obviously I'd prefer England, but I'm sure South Africa would do a good job of staging it if it went there as well," Flintoff added.

With the backing of most of the franchises--Sharukh Khan (Kolkata Knight Riders), Priety Zinta (Kings XI Punjab), Vijay Mallaya (Bangalore Royal Challengers), I hope CSK will no have negative saying on this.

Chidambaram reacts to IPL Move

The home minister reacts to the IPL move. He said, the government was not informed about the move and the IPL has decided on their own about moving the event out of the country.

BCCI said, the government was uncooperative and did not provide security. Though Lalit Modi said that he did not like to politize the issue, it is becoming a political issue and both NDA and UPA are blaming each other.

The government said that they were not consulted on the move.

Narendra Modi said that Gujarath can provide security for all of the IPL matches. He also said that it is a shame on the country and the government for not able to provide the security. The congress has hit back with a question of riot in Gujarath. They have asked whether that was not a shame.

They can hit with words each other, but ultimately the people who have selected them to do service for the country and the people in it are the sufferers. The time they spend in cursing each other, if spent on improvements and welfare schemes, India would be number one country!

Sachin Disappointed on IPL move!

Sachin said he was disappointed that IPL is not going to happen in India. It is very difficult to replicate the Mumbai atmosphere in other countries. The Indian fans will be definitely disappointed.

Sachin said, "I am sure the authorities tried their best to retain it in India, but situation would have forced them to move out."

He is the first player to come out open and comment on the decision of the IPL.

The master batsman and the leading run scorer in test and ODI said:

For the sake of fans, IPL should have stayed in India. Obviously Indian public would have liked to have IPL matches played in India. It is difficult I know. I am sure he authorities must have tried but its not workable. You have no other choice."

IPL Moves out of India, becomes International Premier League!

The IPL and BCCI have decided to move the IPL out of India. It may be moved to either England or South Africa. Both the countries are ready to host the game but the decision will be out today.

With the government not ready to provide security for the revised schedule proposed by IPL committee, there is no option except to move it out. Postponing the event would mean huge loss for IPL, franchises, advertisers, sponsors.

Lalit Modi, the Commissioner of IPL said, "It's a tough decision in my life." He also requested not to politize the issue and said that he will not blame anybody for this.

The schedule remains the same, but the logistics has to be worked out like travel, TV rights, etc.

Sreesanth to miss IPL 2!

Due to stress fracture of his back, Sreesanth, the aggressive Indian fast bowler, who is representing Kings XI lead by Yuvaraj Singh, may miss the IPL season 2.

He was the second highest wicket taker in IPL 1 with 19 wickets. "It is unfortunate that Sreesanth will not be participating in the season two due to his back injury," Punjab coach Tom Moody said. "He is a performer and was a great asset to the team last season and his absence on the field will surely be felt."

"I will be their motivator and will cheer them through to the IPL season two finals."

He was involved in the famous slapping incident with Harbhajan Singh after the match between Kings XI Punjab and Mumbai Indians.

SL to review security for IPL

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has said that it will wait for a security report from the IPL before sending its players for the IPL 2. The IPL is negogiating the dates with the Indian Government because it is clashing with the general elections.

The government has rejected the schedule twice and has asked for revised schedule. It also asked the IPL to discuss with the respective states to get their nod before coming to government.

"The national players are contracted to SLC and it is our duty to protect and assist them," Ranathunga said. With the Sri Lankan players were attacked in Pakistan during their 2nd test, there can be no second opinion about checking the security arrangements thoroughly before agreeing to play the season.

IPL in Jeopardy!

The revised IPL dates provided by the IPL committee was rejected by the Indian Government. The dates did not convince the government.

The Government of India has asked the IPL to revise the dates once again. The Government wants the IPL to rework the dates and submit it to them for review.

"We told them it will not be possible to provide central paramilitary forces for the IPL because of the elections," home ministry spokesman Onkarmal Kedia told local media on Monday. "We want them to draw up a schedule after consulting state governments on the dates when they can provide security. The ministry will take a decision after receiving a new schedule."

With most of the states not ready to provide the security for IPL, it is not becoming obvious that IPL has to revise the dates that suit the government in addition to the teams and the players of varioius countries.

IPL is Doubtful, not yet confirmed!

The the revised schedule was submitted to the government by the IPL committee, most of the states are hesitant about agreeing to the event. They are not comfortable with the dates as they are not sure about the security.

Though the commissioner of IPL, Lalit Modi has categorically said that IPL is responsible for security, the state cheifs are still hesitant about providing security.

Only Delhi has confirmed as the venue and the rest of the venues are yet to confirm.

Though cricket is important, I think it is the country first and every individiual has the right to know and in fact mandatory to know who is going to lead the country. So, election should come first and not the sport.

IPL Responsible for Security - Modi!

Teh IPL Commissioner has committed that the security for the second seasion of the IPL is the responsibility of IPL. With too many things going on in the cricketing world--terrorist attack in Mumbai during England's tour to India, terrorist attack against the Sri Lankan team in Pakistan, created panic everywhere.

The cricket players like Flintoff, Oram are worried about the security.

Security is paramount for us. Players, officials and fans are all very important. Players' security was the responsibility of the teams last year but this time we have gone venue by venue managing the security centrally. Of course, we will coordinate with the teams," Modi said.

"From the minute a (foreign) player lands here to the minute he leaves India. From the minute an Indian players enters the hotel to the minute he leaves, we will be managing the security. It's a cumbersome template that was used during the India-England Test series last year.’’

"That was a rigorous plan put in place, shared with the government and the international board, in that case the England and Wales Cricket Board," he added.

"Security (budget) will be 10 times more than last year," he said.

He further added that "no foreign player has so far contacted the IPL to say that he is apprehensive. They have never been uncomfortable about coming here. India is not Pakistan, we are a safe country."

India is not same as Pakistan, Don't Compare - Lalit Modi!

The chairman of Indian Premier League, the next famous T20 to the world cup, said that the cricketing world should not compare India and Pakistan. The situations are different.

"We are a very safe country. You are sitting here, I am sitting here, we all are sitting here. We are not Pakistan. I really see no concern," he said to reporters on Tuesday.

"Let's not liken the situation in another country to be the same as our country," added Modi. He further said, "after the Mumbai blasts, we still had games in Chennai (and Mohali)."

Though few players like Kevin from England, Jacob Oram from New Zealand, and few South African players are hesitant to join the IPL season 2, Lalit Modi is still confident that the event will happen with proper security.