Lalit Modi has no regrets over his decision to move the Indian Premier League to South Africa.
The eight-team competition finally begins in Cape Town, after being moved to the African country less than four weeks ago.
Modi and his colleagues were forced to change the venue due to security issues in India during the national elections and the league chairman is now certain it will be a success.
”Yes, it was one of the hardest decisions we have had to make,” he said at a pre-tournament press conference.
”With just 20 days to go before our original launch date of 10 April we got approval from all eight franchisees and the IPL governing body, to move the event.
”Once the need to move the tournament had been forced on us, we were determined that playing IPL 2009 in another country should be far more than an exercise in finding venues suitable for television.
”For us, South Africa was always suitable from a logistical and infrastructure point of view. But it is the welcome we’ve been given by ordinary South Africans that is justifying our belief that we can build a brand and legacy of involvement that last for years to come.”
Modi pointed out that one of the most challenging aspects of the league organisation had been getting the schedule right.
He continued: “My team finalised the schedule within 48 hours of arriving in South Africa. There had to be an equal number of games per team in the main centres, no conflict with other major sports and cultural events and team and television production travel schedules had to be taken into account.
”Overall, then, I’m very pleased with the way it has worked out so far.”
And Modi was full of praise for the highest authorities in South Africa, saying: “I was amazed by the ‘can-do’ attitude shown. This includes the Department of Home Affairs who internationally have issued visas within 24 hours to players and support staff.
”What was an obstacle was solved in a matter of minutes. I have not experienced this anywhere else before, and this includes Cricket South Africa, and many other government departments. We have been welcomed with open arms.”
Asked whether England, who narrowly missed out on hosting the tournament to South Africa due to the adverse April and May weather conditions, would have a chance of hosting the tournament at some point in the future, Modi responded: “No, not really. We will look at having matches out of India from time to time.”
But he did not rule out the newly-formed Champions League being played abroad, adding: “This was a traumatic year for us. But we would look at other countries for the Champions League. This is something that could be moved to other counties without doubt.”
The 2009 tournament begins over the weekend with two games on Saturday, followed by another two games on Sunday.
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