New Delhi: A day after it was decided to move the IPL's second edition outside India, South Africa and England have emerged as the frontrunners to host the tournament.
T20 cricket is actually an English invention and games such as the domestic final last year between Middlesex and Kent drew huge audiences. And the same is being expected when the IPL comes calling this year.
The franchisees are convinced that will happen, especially in view of the huge Indian population that is expected to fill the stadiums.
But england could present some tricky problems too. For instance, it's the start of their domestic season and it's usally quite chilly and overcast, hardly ideal conditions for T20 cricket where batsmen look for big hits.
Also, since the county season is on at the same time, there is a question mark on the availability of the major grounds. Also with the T20 World Cup in Enengland in June, the ICC appears to be wary of the IPL stealing its thunder.
ICC chief David Morgan said, "It's the beginning of the season in England and Wales and there is a lot of Twenty20 cricket being played including the ICC World Twenty20. I do think there will be great difficulties in relocating it."
South Africa hosted a hugely succesful T20 World Cup in 2007 and since their season towards its end, some believe the country may be a better choice. There is a huge Indian population in South Africa as well and the weather may be better as well.
T20 cricket is actually an English invention and games such as the domestic final last year between Middlesex and Kent drew huge audiences. And the same is being expected when the IPL comes calling this year.
The franchisees are convinced that will happen, especially in view of the huge Indian population that is expected to fill the stadiums.
But england could present some tricky problems too. For instance, it's the start of their domestic season and it's usally quite chilly and overcast, hardly ideal conditions for T20 cricket where batsmen look for big hits.
Also, since the county season is on at the same time, there is a question mark on the availability of the major grounds. Also with the T20 World Cup in Enengland in June, the ICC appears to be wary of the IPL stealing its thunder.
ICC chief David Morgan said, "It's the beginning of the season in England and Wales and there is a lot of Twenty20 cricket being played including the ICC World Twenty20. I do think there will be great difficulties in relocating it."
South Africa hosted a hugely succesful T20 World Cup in 2007 and since their season towards its end, some believe the country may be a better choice. There is a huge Indian population in South Africa as well and the weather may be better as well.
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