South Africa 'preferred' IPL venue after India

Indian cricket board secretary Sanjay Patel Thursday hinted that the Indian Premier League-7 (IPL) could be held in South Africa if it clashes with the general elections at home. It was also confirmed that the high-profile T20 event will take place between April 9 and June 3.

"As far as possible, our interest is to hold the IPL in India. Then, probably, South Africa is the preferred venue at the moment. The second option is also there and the third option is also there," said Patel at the IPL auction here Thursday.

It has also been reported that UAE and Bangladesh are also in the running to be IPL host.

"We are considering so many options with regard to the venue. We are waiting first for the home ministry to check the possible dates," Patel added.

IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal said he will be meeting officials at the home ministry next week to explore the possibility of having the whole tournament in India.

"We will be speaking to the officials in the government and the home ministry," said Biswal.

"We want to hold maximum number of matches in India and if we get the green signal from the government, then probably the whole tournament can be played here," he said adding that all teams have been kept in the loop.