Johannesburg, May 26 (Inditop): Cricket South Africa CEO Gerald Majola has declared the DLF Indian Premier League a resounding success, saying all parties should feel proud of the collective effort that saw the IPL moved from India to South Africa at short notice.
Speaking after the Deccan Chargers beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore by six runs in the final at the Liberty Life Wanderers Stadium on Sunday night, Majola said: “CSA’s main reason for taking on the challenge of hosting the IPL was to assist an ICC member country who had problems hosting a major tournament for reasons beyond its control.
“We knew that CSA had the climate, facilities, know-how and a cricket-loving public to back up the successful hosting of this second IPL tournament even at this short notice. To see it all come together with a full house at the Liberty Life Wanderers Stadium for the final was incredible.””Before our national elections last month, South Africa was experiencing a lot of doom and gloom politically and economically, and the IPL tournament lifted spirits enormously. Our tourist industry also got an extra bite of the cherry against the negative world travel trend. CSA must add its warmest gratitude to the South African Government which gave its wholehearted support to CSA hosting this prestigious tournament right from the start.””This endorsement made a big difference between us getting the final nod from the BCCI and the IPL organisers to host the tournament. The Government effort throughout was superb, right from the Presidency to every level of support service that was needed to make this such a huge success.
“It also showed the world that South Africa was ready and able to do a great job in hosting FIFA’s two most important events: the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
“We also think it had a positive impact on the holding of India’s month-long and peaceful elections on a sub-continent fraught with internecine strife.
“The tournament also heightened interest in cricket worldwide. Certainly, at home it added even more value to cricket following the Proteas’ most successful season and the eventful tours in and out of Australia.
“It has given a number of young South African cricketers a chance to play top level cricket against, and with, many of the world’s greatest stars. This will give them huge confidence going into the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 in England.
“Finally, the 2009 IPL has re-confirmed South Africa as a wonderful host to major sporting events, and a home for the world’s rainbow cultures. It has also brought in unexpected and very welcome funds for the further development of South African cricket, mainly in previously disadvantaged communities.
“Internationally, it has changed the landscape of world cricket. Properly handled, the IPL concept will bring about the real globalization of the sport for the first time. This should enable the longer forms of cricket to prosper, but only if they are made to be publicly attractive in the 21st century and beyond, Majola concluded.”
rounak