BCCI shifts IPL out of India

With the state governments playing tough on sparing forces for security, the Indian Premier League (IPL) was today shifted to another country amid speculation that England or South Africa would be the venue for the second edition of the high-profile event.

The decision to shift the Twenty20 tournament out of the country was taken at the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) emergency Working Committee meeting here to take a final call on the cash-rich event which had run into rough weather because of security apprehensions.

"Because of the attitude of the government that they are not ready to spare security forces for the cricket tournament... We are forced to take the decision to move the event out of India," BCCI President Shashank Manohar told a press conference.

However, the IPL will be played on its original dates between April 10 and May 24. The BCCI had failed to get clearance from the Union Home Ministry for security cover because the tournament clashes with the Lok Sabha elections.

"So the board has decided to take the tournament out of the country. We are in discussion with other boards who are willing to host the event. I apologise to the people of India for moving the tournament out," Manohar said.

About Rs 1,800 crore are riding on IPL, including revenues from broadcast rights, advertisements, sponsorships and player fees.