IPL Cricket: 'South Africa should reap economic benefits'
Hosting the Indian Premier League should benefit South Africa economically, IPL chairperson and commissioner Lalit Modi said on Thursday. "If we look at some of the key statistics it is clear to me that the economic benefits of the IPL tournament should be significant," he said in a statement following a press briefing in Cape Town.
Modi said 22 000 hotel rooms in Durban, Cape Town & Johannesburg had been booked with Southern Sun Hotels, 10 000 domestic flight bookings were made and millions of rands were expected to be spent on tickets, food and beverages, transport and merchandise. "We also expect large groups of Indian tourists will come to South Africa to watch at least several games each," Modi said.
Modi said 22 000 hotel rooms in Durban, Cape Town & Johannesburg had been booked with Southern Sun Hotels, 10 000 domestic flight bookings were made and millions of rands were expected to be spent on tickets, food and beverages, transport and merchandise. "We also expect large groups of Indian tourists will come to South Africa to watch at least several games each," Modi said.
He said in the "record time" of about three weeks, South Africa had not just organised the logistics for the tournament, but raised enduring levels of support and excitement for the event. "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 said.
Modi said the government had been "exceptionally accommodating" and Cricket South Africa had welcomed the IPL with open arms, makings its world-class stadiums available. He said about 700 people, including a large number of people who had relocated from India, were currently working full-time in South Africa on preparations for the IPL.
"This includes the Central IPL and IMG event team of 60, a television and digital media crew of about 200, the eight team franchises bringing about 30 playing staff each along with 20 coaching staff, executives and team owners for each team." Modi said a number of companies had also been hired at the end of March to assist with security, broadcast support, PR and advertising, event management, entertainment, travel, hospitality and ticket sales.
South African Etienne de Villiers, who formerly headed the ATP tour - the world governing body of men's tennis - was leading the IPL marketing drive. De Villiers was working with former national rugby captain Francois Pienaar in building the "fun, entertainment and excitement that the IPL became famous for in its first year in 2008". De Villiers said the IPL presented a "turbo charge[d]" cricketing and family event.
"For example, there will be live music, performances by Cirque du Soleil and a host of innovations at each game that will make it a wonderful outing for all members of the family." Tickets for Saturday and Sunday's double-headers, and an opening ceremony including a performance from music group Snow Patrol were sold out within two hours.
Modi said the government had been "exceptionally accommodating" and Cricket South Africa had welcomed the IPL with open arms, makings its world-class stadiums available. He said about 700 people, including a large number of people who had relocated from India, were currently working full-time in South Africa on preparations for the IPL.
"This includes the Central IPL and IMG event team of 60, a television and digital media crew of about 200, the eight team franchises bringing about 30 playing staff each along with 20 coaching staff, executives and team owners for each team." Modi said a number of companies had also been hired at the end of March to assist with security, broadcast support, PR and advertising, event management, entertainment, travel, hospitality and ticket sales.
South African Etienne de Villiers, who formerly headed the ATP tour - the world governing body of men's tennis - was leading the IPL marketing drive. De Villiers was working with former national rugby captain Francois Pienaar in building the "fun, entertainment and excitement that the IPL became famous for in its first year in 2008". De Villiers said the IPL presented a "turbo charge[d]" cricketing and family event.
"For example, there will be live music, performances by Cirque du Soleil and a host of innovations at each game that will make it a wonderful outing for all members of the family." Tickets for Saturday and Sunday's double-headers, and an opening ceremony including a performance from music group Snow Patrol were sold out within two hours.
Many Lion’s fans are expected in South Africa to support their team. ”Coupled with the IPL Cricket which ends on 23 May, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June and the ICC 8-Nations Champions’ Trophy in September, South Africa is certainly expecting thousands of fans for the upcoming top level sporting events,” notes Robert Wilson. CEO of travelinsouthafrica.net . “Fans would be well advised to sort out their travel and accommodation soon,” he said.
- Sapa
