What are your first thoughts on the IPL being held in SA?
In many ways the dramatic turn of events is quite typical of the tournament itself. Just when it looked like the IPL was backed into a corner, it has found a way to survive. Although the Indian public will have been disappointed that they won't be able to support the event live, they will be relieved the event wasn't called off. I'm confident the SA public, Cricket South Africa and our government will be right behind the tournament.
How different will it be in SA?
I think the organisers will pull out all the stops to retain the flavour of the tournament. We realise that this is all Indian and that we are just here to facilitate a good tournament for the IPL, its stakeholders and supporters.
You think there will be good crowds? I don't think the crowds will be as big as they were in India, but the teams will be well-supported. T20 has caught on in this country as much as it has anywhere but to carry capacity crowds through every game will be a big ask. If the tickets come at the right price I can't see why it won't be a huge hit.
Will it be as successful as last year?
The desire to make the IPL work is too strong for it not to be. The IPL is an entertainment package and what has happened over the last couple of weeks, although it is tragic, has just added to the hype of the product.Have the Mumbai Indians got an edge over other teams as you have started training already in SA?Not really, all other teams will have time to adjust.
Do you think the 'Indians' will benefit as they have a person in you who knows the conditions very well?
Most teams have a South African representative so we don't have a distinct advantage.Finally, what can IPL do to SA cricket? The staging of the tournament here can help to create even more interest in the game. We have the football World Cup here next year so this is a wonderful bonus.
Source by: DNA
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