Here’s evidence that the IPL has already created quite a buzz in South Africa. It took just a couple of hours for the opening game on April 18 to be sold out. Clearly, the tournament is all set to take the Rainbow Nation by storm. The cheerleaders will be there, as will the best players in the world, and all the entertainment of a glitzy Twenty20 carnival.

The tournament may have moved out of India, but there will be no shortage of crowds flocking to see the games. The double header to kick off the IPL in Cape Town has already been sold out.

It’s what we put together, the whole idea of displaying the flavour of India all throughout the tournament,” IPL commissioner Lalit Modi told CNN-IBN on Friday. “We have a lot of entertainment and great cricket around, and the way we are selling it to the people of South Africa, they should come and embrace the teams.”

IPL bosses have smartly priced tickets at very affordable rates. The lowest ticket is available at just about Rs 70, and the most expensive ticket will set you back by just a shade over Rs 1,000.

“We have taken the advice of Cricket South Africa to ensure a once in a lifetime experience for the South African fans, not only because the game of cricket is going to be interesting but also the paraphernalia that’s going to go around with it in terms of entertainment, Bollywood, as well as local artists who are going to perform,” said IPL chief executive Sundar Raman.

In a bid to maximise commerical time on television, it has been agreed that there will be a five-minute break after every 10 overs, allowing the broadcaster to fit in more advertising. The break may upset the momentum of a game, but teams concede that this format needs to consider the demands of Indian television audiences.

“In a sense, this has become a TV event for Indian crowds, but we’d hope not only Indians in South Africa but those who enjoy their cricket and enjoy entertainment will all flock to the games,” says Kolkata Knight Riders head coach John Buchanan.

So whether one is watching at home or at the stadium, the IPL promises to be quite an African safari.
Source – cricketnext.in.com