Johannesburg, April 24 (Inditop) In a move that could be a reflection of waning interest after the initial hype, Indian Premier League (IPL) organisers who laid claim to all suites at all South African stadiums where the IPL games will be played, have released the suites at Buffalo Park in East London, a day after inking a final agreement with Wanderers Stadium owners here.
The IPL insistence on suites for its guests, including Bollywood celebrities, businessmen and even some politicians expected to attend IPL games over the next few weeks caused a stir with suite holders at stadia who had paid hefty prices upfront for the privilege of hosting their own guests at these suites during the cricket season.
The dispute with Wanderers even threatened to derail the semis and the final to be held there until ti was resolved only a few days ago.
Whether it is the fact that the IPL is expecting fewer guests to attend the three games at Buffalo Park on May 1, 4 and 8, or that there is just waning interest after the euphoria of the opening games in Cape Town, the IPL decided to free up all suites at the stadium to their original owners.
In addition, 1,000 more tickets are to be made available for each game at Buffalo Park, according to Themba Lupuwana, chief executive of the Border Cricket Board that administers Buffalo Park.
Lupuwana was confident of good crowds as his team pulled out all the stops to ensure that the three IPL matches were events to be remembered, with Bollywood music and dance, and fireworks each time a wicket fell.
rounak