Despite having to release Australian players for the ODI series against Pakistan, the affected IPL franchises are not breaking any sweat yet. Seven IPL-contracted stars - Nathan Bracken, James Hopes, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds and Shane Watson - were on Wednesday named in the 14-man squad to play five ODIs and a Twenty20 international in the UAE, which runs from April 22 to May 7.
Tom Moody's Kings XI Punjab is the worst-hit team in terms of numbers, having to operate without Lee, Marsh and Hopes. Moody said he expected Marsh and Hopes to be summoned for national duty for the first half of the IPL, while he has not entirely given up hope of playing Lee.
"We were aware that we were going to be losing players for the series against Pakistan," Moody said from Port Elizabeth, where the Punjab team is having its pre-tournament camp. "We knew that particularly James Hopes and Shaun Marsh were going to be missing for the first part of the tournament."
Marsh became an overnight hero last season, leading all comers in the IPL with 616 runs. That performance helped him earn selection on Australia's subsequent tour of the Caribbean, but a hamstring injury ruled him out for a couple of months in February.
As for the loss of his premier strike bowler, Lee, who was fast-tracked into the Australian squad after undergoing surgery to his ankle and foot, Moody said he would wait for a final assessment from Australia. The national selectors made it clear Lee and Marsh would only be called into the one-day squad subject to fitness.
"Brett is still unsure about what his fitness position is and whether he would be playing any part in the beginning in the IPL or not," Moody said. "The Australian team management is going to meet with Brett over the next few days and assess exactly where he is at with his fitness and consider which would be the best way for him to come back into any sort of match play, whether it would be the 50-over or Twenty20 format. Those discussions are yet to be had, but Brett would be sitting down with the team management in Port Elizabeth, where they are arriving in a couple of days."
With new signing Jerome Taylor injured in a car accident recently and Sreesanth recovering from a back injury, Punjab have effectively lost five of their frontline players. Moody, though, was unperturbed. "With only four foreigners allowed, if anything this makes my job a little bit easier not having to speak to six international players and tell them they are not playing."
Moody wants each of the remaining squad members to step up and seize the opportunity. He has immense faith in England batsman Ravi Bopara, who was bought for US$450,000 at the auction in February. Bopara has been in form and scored a classy century against the West Indies in Barbados last month.
"The likes of Ravi Bopara certainly come into contention," he said. "He is very exciting in any form of game, and Simon Katich with his terrific form and experience is going to add value to the batting. Obviously the Sri Lankan pair of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will play an important role."
Moody also had no qualms about his bowling, which he felt has enough depth. Irfan Pathan, according to Moody, will once again take the new ball and will be the leader of the pack if Lee is absent.
He is also happy with Taylor's replacement, Yusuf Abdulla, who made his debut for South Africa during the Twenty20 game against Australia, where he got rid of Ricky Ponting. Moody predicts Abdulla's local knowledge - the left-arm fast bowler plays for Dolphins - will come in handy. "His experience in the home conditions will be good particularly in Durban, where we play six games, and he could be a good factor," Moody said.
Darren Lehmann, coach of the Deccan Chargers, the franchise which Symonds represents, was pleased by the allrounder's return to the national side. "I am happy for him," Lehmann said. "I am also happy for us to have one player in the Australian squad."
It was a case of putting up a brave face on Lehmann's part as he had pinpointed the allrounder's importance for Hyderabad doing well. "Obviously, he is one of the best Twenty20 players in the world," Lehmann said last week. "He is very important to us and will play a big part in the team going forward."
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Super Kings leave for South Africa sans Dhoni
Gunning for the title that eluded them last year, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) left for Johannesburg this morning sans their skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni to participate in the second edition of the Indian Premier League that kick starts in South Africa on April 18.
The Super Kings left for Johannesburg via Dubai at 9:45 this morning on the auspicious day of Lord Aiyappa's birthday by an Emirates Airlines flight.
Apart from Dhoni, medium pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji and opening batsman Murali Vijay, who will return from New Zealand on Wednesday and some overseas players, including coach-cum-player Stephen Fleming, Mathew Hayden and George Bailey will join the squad later.
From Johannesburg, the Super Kings will travel to Durban on Thursday where they will set up their training camp.
Kasi Viswanathan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Head of Operations of the Super Kings informed minutes before boarding the flight that the team is geared up to return with the trophy this time.
"We are ready for the big occasion. We want to come back with the trophy this time. We have set our preparations in place with the aim of making the semi-finals as a goal and then go full throttle in the final for the trophy that we missed by hair breath last time to Rajasthan Royals," he said.
The Super Kings would be having a six-day training camp in Durban from April 10-15, which includes a few practice matches against local teams before leaving for Cape Town to play Mumbai Indians in the second match on the opening day of the high-profile Twenty20 tournament.
Vishwanathan also informed that along with Dhoni, star England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and Kiwi Jacob Oram will be joining the team in Cape Town on April 15.
"Dhoni will be returning to India along with the team today from New Zealand. Of course, he requires some rest. He, along with Flintoff and others, will join the team in Cape Town on April 15.
"The Indians as well as overseas players have been involved in international matches for their respective countries and have the experience to straight away go for the matches," he said.
Viswanathan noted that all the eight teams have made some changes in their squads this time around after first edition's experience.
"No team could be taken for granted and there could even be high scoring matches as some of the venues have small grounds but the Super Kings will approach every match with caution. We have depth in our bench strength."
The Super Kings left for Johannesburg via Dubai at 9:45 this morning on the auspicious day of Lord Aiyappa's birthday by an Emirates Airlines flight.
Apart from Dhoni, medium pacer Lakshmipathy Balaji and opening batsman Murali Vijay, who will return from New Zealand on Wednesday and some overseas players, including coach-cum-player Stephen Fleming, Mathew Hayden and George Bailey will join the squad later.
From Johannesburg, the Super Kings will travel to Durban on Thursday where they will set up their training camp.
Kasi Viswanathan, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Head of Operations of the Super Kings informed minutes before boarding the flight that the team is geared up to return with the trophy this time.
"We are ready for the big occasion. We want to come back with the trophy this time. We have set our preparations in place with the aim of making the semi-finals as a goal and then go full throttle in the final for the trophy that we missed by hair breath last time to Rajasthan Royals," he said.
The Super Kings would be having a six-day training camp in Durban from April 10-15, which includes a few practice matches against local teams before leaving for Cape Town to play Mumbai Indians in the second match on the opening day of the high-profile Twenty20 tournament.
Vishwanathan also informed that along with Dhoni, star England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff and Kiwi Jacob Oram will be joining the team in Cape Town on April 15.
"Dhoni will be returning to India along with the team today from New Zealand. Of course, he requires some rest. He, along with Flintoff and others, will join the team in Cape Town on April 15.
"The Indians as well as overseas players have been involved in international matches for their respective countries and have the experience to straight away go for the matches," he said.
Viswanathan noted that all the eight teams have made some changes in their squads this time around after first edition's experience.
"No team could be taken for granted and there could even be high scoring matches as some of the venues have small grounds but the Super Kings will approach every match with caution. We have depth in our bench strength."
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
New IPL schedule expected in next 48 hours
Even as the stalemate over the second edition of the Indian Premier League continues, IPL sources have told CNN-IBN that the schedule is likely to be sorted out within the next 48 hours.
The Baord of Control for Cricket in India is expected to give the Home Ministry a fresh schedule. So far, Delhi is the only venue that has not been cleared. All other venues are ready.
The BCCI officials met Home Ministry officials on Monday but the deadlock could not be broken.
The IPL though is determined to go ahead and has indicated that it will accomodate all stakeholders.
A three-member BCCI team, led by secreatry N Srnivasan, had met the Home Minsitry for close to two hours on Monday. Both the parties addressed each others concerns, but failed to find a solution. The Ministy instead delivered a googly, asking the BCCI to make further changes to the itenary, keeping state security cocnerns in mind.
And soon enough, the BCCI replied with a straight bat, pulling out another reworked schedule on the table.
The nitty-gritties in the schedule still need some brains to be racked, and it could be a tough ask. Jaipur for instance has asked for extra para-military presence.
And it couldn't have got edgier for some other centres. Andhra Pradesh for instance
have said that they could not host matches till April 24. But that also gives them another 28 days to host the seven home games of the Deccan Chargers.
Also new options like Ahemabad, Cuttack and Dharamsala will allow the IPL organisers to breathe easy.
The urgency is upon IPL and for a smooth season two they need to release a schedule in the coming two days.
The organisers will be keeping their fingers crossed this time hoping their latest schedule gets the nod for the carnival to take off.
The Baord of Control for Cricket in India is expected to give the Home Ministry a fresh schedule. So far, Delhi is the only venue that has not been cleared. All other venues are ready.
The BCCI officials met Home Ministry officials on Monday but the deadlock could not be broken.
The IPL though is determined to go ahead and has indicated that it will accomodate all stakeholders.
A three-member BCCI team, led by secreatry N Srnivasan, had met the Home Minsitry for close to two hours on Monday. Both the parties addressed each others concerns, but failed to find a solution. The Ministy instead delivered a googly, asking the BCCI to make further changes to the itenary, keeping state security cocnerns in mind.
And soon enough, the BCCI replied with a straight bat, pulling out another reworked schedule on the table.
The nitty-gritties in the schedule still need some brains to be racked, and it could be a tough ask. Jaipur for instance has asked for extra para-military presence.
And it couldn't have got edgier for some other centres. Andhra Pradesh for instance
have said that they could not host matches till April 24. But that also gives them another 28 days to host the seven home games of the Deccan Chargers.
Also new options like Ahemabad, Cuttack and Dharamsala will allow the IPL organisers to breathe easy.
The urgency is upon IPL and for a smooth season two they need to release a schedule in the coming two days.
The organisers will be keeping their fingers crossed this time hoping their latest schedule gets the nod for the carnival to take off.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Andhra Police say no to IPL during elections
Andhra Pradesh police has thrown a spanner in the works for IPL commissioner Lalit Modi after stating on Thursday that they will not be in a position to provide security for the matches during elections in the state.
Sources say the AP police have written to the Ministry of Home Affairs saying it is possible to provide security forces for IPL matches only after April 23, after the two phases of polling in the state are over.
They have also said the IPL will have to come up with alternative dates if they want matches in the state. Not just Andhra Pradesh, but Maharashtra and Delhi are yet to reply to the Union Home Ministry about the security arrangements.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi had during his press conference on Tuesday said that the Andhra coastal city of Visakhapatnam had been added as an additional venue for the second edition of the IPL.
Modi, who had on Tuesday refrained from giving out the final schedule of the IPL saying that it was still being "fine tuned", will now have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to ensure the tournament goes ahead as per plan.
The Andhra Pradesh police's refusal to provide security will also cast a shadow over where the Hyderabad-based Deccan Chargers team will play their home matches.
It looks as if they will have to join the ranks of IPL first edition runners-up Chennai Super Kings, who will not be able to play their seven home matches in Chennai due to the polling dates in the state.
The second edition of the IPL is scheduled to be held from April 10 to May 24 with the opening and closing ceremonies slated to be held in the D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Sources say the AP police have written to the Ministry of Home Affairs saying it is possible to provide security forces for IPL matches only after April 23, after the two phases of polling in the state are over.
They have also said the IPL will have to come up with alternative dates if they want matches in the state. Not just Andhra Pradesh, but Maharashtra and Delhi are yet to reply to the Union Home Ministry about the security arrangements.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi had during his press conference on Tuesday said that the Andhra coastal city of Visakhapatnam had been added as an additional venue for the second edition of the IPL.
Modi, who had on Tuesday refrained from giving out the final schedule of the IPL saying that it was still being "fine tuned", will now have to pull a rabbit out of his hat to ensure the tournament goes ahead as per plan.
The Andhra Pradesh police's refusal to provide security will also cast a shadow over where the Hyderabad-based Deccan Chargers team will play their home matches.
It looks as if they will have to join the ranks of IPL first edition runners-up Chennai Super Kings, who will not be able to play their seven home matches in Chennai due to the polling dates in the state.
The second edition of the IPL is scheduled to be held from April 10 to May 24 with the opening and closing ceremonies slated to be held in the D Y Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai.
Home Ministry may ask IPL to revise schedule
The Union Home Ministry is learnt to have decided to ask the IPL authority to revise the schedule of the matches after holding a high-level meeting on Friday.
Playing the role of third umpire when it comes to security at the high profile league, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram held the high-level meeting with Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, IB chief, RAW chief, and senior officials from the ministry to decide on providing Central security forces for the matches.
The Minister will hold a press conference later Friday.
With state police seeking Central forces to provide security for the matches, the ministry was expected to review if it's feasible for the Centre to provide security for the matches while the election process will be going on.
Earlier, the state governments had said that matches should only go ahead if para military forces are provided, or if they can use the forces deployed for election duty.
DGPs of seven states were on a video call with the Home Ministry to discuss the security issue.
Without the ministry's nod, it seems unlikely that the biggest sports and entertainment show in Asia will take off this year.
Most host states expressed their inability in providing adequate security to the matches during election process despite the changes in the original IPL schedule.
Playing the role of third umpire when it comes to security at the high profile league, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram held the high-level meeting with Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, IB chief, RAW chief, and senior officials from the ministry to decide on providing Central security forces for the matches.
The Minister will hold a press conference later Friday.
With state police seeking Central forces to provide security for the matches, the ministry was expected to review if it's feasible for the Centre to provide security for the matches while the election process will be going on.
Earlier, the state governments had said that matches should only go ahead if para military forces are provided, or if they can use the forces deployed for election duty.
DGPs of seven states were on a video call with the Home Ministry to discuss the security issue.
Without the ministry's nod, it seems unlikely that the biggest sports and entertainment show in Asia will take off this year.
Most host states expressed their inability in providing adequate security to the matches during election process despite the changes in the original IPL schedule.
Deccan Chargers vow to ensure safety
The Deccan Chargers will take all necessary precautions to address the security concerns of players, officials and fans when the Indian Premier League's second season kicks off on April 10, a top official of the team management said here on Thursday.
"A central agency from South Africa has been appointed by the IPL. They will coordinate with us on security measures. This year we have planned with the police department to get the best security cover for players as well as spectators," Venkat Reddy, vice-president (Operations) of Deccan Chargers told reporters.
Asked if the Chargers expect more support from police for the high-profile event, Reddy said, "We had a discussion with the Additional DG (of police). In another two-three days we will have a security plan in place." The team management has also hired a private security agency to advise them on how to go about ensuring safety, Reddy said.
"Any attack on players and spectators is same for us. We are making sure that everything is done properly. Thus we are taking help from the police to ensure a good job," he said.
Asked about the issue of Tim Wright quitting as CEO, Reddy said, "He had a problem with the foreign office. That was the reason. I think he resigned." He said the management has decided not to have a CEO as the season has already started.
"Because the season has already started there is no point in having a CEO. We have divided our work among the commercial and operations," he said.
The Chargers, who finished bottom in the eight-team tournament last year, have signed up three foreigners Ryan Harris, Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith and five Indians — Abhinav Kumar, T Suman, SM Shoiab, Jaskarandeep Singh and HS Bansal — for the new season.
A camp for players would be held from April 1 and the team is expected to open this year's campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11
"A central agency from South Africa has been appointed by the IPL. They will coordinate with us on security measures. This year we have planned with the police department to get the best security cover for players as well as spectators," Venkat Reddy, vice-president (Operations) of Deccan Chargers told reporters.
Asked if the Chargers expect more support from police for the high-profile event, Reddy said, "We had a discussion with the Additional DG (of police). In another two-three days we will have a security plan in place." The team management has also hired a private security agency to advise them on how to go about ensuring safety, Reddy said.
"Any attack on players and spectators is same for us. We are making sure that everything is done properly. Thus we are taking help from the police to ensure a good job," he said.
Asked about the issue of Tim Wright quitting as CEO, Reddy said, "He had a problem with the foreign office. That was the reason. I think he resigned." He said the management has decided not to have a CEO as the season has already started.
"Because the season has already started there is no point in having a CEO. We have divided our work among the commercial and operations," he said.
The Chargers, who finished bottom in the eight-team tournament last year, have signed up three foreigners Ryan Harris, Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith and five Indians — Abhinav Kumar, T Suman, SM Shoiab, Jaskarandeep Singh and HS Bansal — for the new season.
A camp for players would be held from April 1 and the team is expected to open this year's campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 11
Home Ministry to take final call on IPL today
The Union Home Ministry held a video conference with senior officials of the states where Indian Premier League (IPL) matches are scheduled to be played next month following their demand for central forces to host the cricketing tournament.
Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta held consultations with seven states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal during which he was apprised of the security problems for hosting the mega-event.
The states are understood to have again told the Home Ministry during the 90-minute video conference that it was not possible to hold the Twenty20 matches without additional security personnel from the central grid.
Barring Tamil Nadu, all other states have agreed to host the matches with a rider that at least five to six companies (500-600 personnel) of para-military forces are kept at the disposal of the state police for security related issues, the sources said. Tamil Nadu has outrightly rejected the proposal to host the matches in the state.
After eliciting the view of the states, Gupta held a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram who will take a final call on the tournament beginning on April 10.
Union Home Ministry will take a final call on Friday on the security issues related to Indian Premier League (IPL) as states have conveyed their willingness to host the Twenty20 cricket tournament with the help of para-military forces.
Barring Tamil Nadu, all other states have agreed to host the matches with a rider that at least five to six companies (500-600 personnel) of para-military forces are kept at the disposal of the state police for security related issues, official sources said.
Tamil Nadu has outrightly rejected the proposal to host the matches in the state.
The states had responded to the Home Ministry's reminder asking for their feedback on the revised IPL schedule.
A senior Home Ministry official said the states had expressed the view that the matches could be held peacefully only with the assistance of central security forces.
The Home Ministry will study the report before taking a decision on the matches with a less than a month left for the tournament to begin on April 10, the official said. Home Minister P. Chidambaram is likely to take a call tomorrow after going through the response of all the states.
Concerned over availability of paramilitary forces in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Home Ministry had sent a revised schedule to the states concerned on March seven avoiding the polling dates.
Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta held consultations with seven states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal during which he was apprised of the security problems for hosting the mega-event.
The states are understood to have again told the Home Ministry during the 90-minute video conference that it was not possible to hold the Twenty20 matches without additional security personnel from the central grid.
Barring Tamil Nadu, all other states have agreed to host the matches with a rider that at least five to six companies (500-600 personnel) of para-military forces are kept at the disposal of the state police for security related issues, the sources said. Tamil Nadu has outrightly rejected the proposal to host the matches in the state.
After eliciting the view of the states, Gupta held a meeting with Home Minister P Chidambaram who will take a final call on the tournament beginning on April 10.
Union Home Ministry will take a final call on Friday on the security issues related to Indian Premier League (IPL) as states have conveyed their willingness to host the Twenty20 cricket tournament with the help of para-military forces.
Barring Tamil Nadu, all other states have agreed to host the matches with a rider that at least five to six companies (500-600 personnel) of para-military forces are kept at the disposal of the state police for security related issues, official sources said.
Tamil Nadu has outrightly rejected the proposal to host the matches in the state.
The states had responded to the Home Ministry's reminder asking for their feedback on the revised IPL schedule.
A senior Home Ministry official said the states had expressed the view that the matches could be held peacefully only with the assistance of central security forces.
The Home Ministry will study the report before taking a decision on the matches with a less than a month left for the tournament to begin on April 10, the official said. Home Minister P. Chidambaram is likely to take a call tomorrow after going through the response of all the states.
Concerned over availability of paramilitary forces in view of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Home Ministry had sent a revised schedule to the states concerned on March seven avoiding the polling dates.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Gujarat presence behind Royals' Ahmedabad plans
Jaipur: Manoj Badale, the Rajasthan Royals chairman, has said his side was disappointed at losing the opening ceremony and the first fixture from Jaipur to Mumbai after the IPL governing council was forced to change its schedule in view of the general elections.
The opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League will now take place in Mumbai with the first match also being played there, meaning the defending champions will have to play their first game away from home.
"If it was left to us, we would have played all our seven games in Jaipur," Badale said. "But since our first game was shifted to Mumbai... it's not in our hands. Security is of prime importance at this point of time."
Badale, who was accompanied by Bollywood actress and new co-owner Shilpa Shetty, revealed that Rajasthan decided to play some of their home games in Ahmedabad since seven of their players represent Gujarat or Baroda in domestic cricket.
Rajasthan specifically want to play their game against Kings XI Punjab at the Motera because it would be billed as the clash of the Pathan brothers: Kings XI's Irfan would square off against Rajasthan's Yusuf who both play for Baroda.
In view of the raised concerns over the security situation in the country following the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore and the forthcoming elections, Badale said foreign players shouldn't be afraid as the IPL will leave no stone unturned when it comes to security measures.
"It doesn't make any difference to us (if foreign players are safe in India)," Badale said. "International players are no different from Indian players, and if Indian players are safe here then even the foreign players would be safe."
Badale also read out a statement from team captain Shane Warne, who has indicated his desire to participate in the tournament despite security fears.
"I have no reservations about the security during the IPL in India," Badale quoted Warne as saying. "I'm sure Rajasthan Royals will look after its team and the IPL will look after us well."
The opening ceremony of the Indian Premier League will now take place in Mumbai with the first match also being played there, meaning the defending champions will have to play their first game away from home.
"If it was left to us, we would have played all our seven games in Jaipur," Badale said. "But since our first game was shifted to Mumbai... it's not in our hands. Security is of prime importance at this point of time."
Badale, who was accompanied by Bollywood actress and new co-owner Shilpa Shetty, revealed that Rajasthan decided to play some of their home games in Ahmedabad since seven of their players represent Gujarat or Baroda in domestic cricket.
Rajasthan specifically want to play their game against Kings XI Punjab at the Motera because it would be billed as the clash of the Pathan brothers: Kings XI's Irfan would square off against Rajasthan's Yusuf who both play for Baroda.
In view of the raised concerns over the security situation in the country following the attack on Sri Lankan players in Lahore and the forthcoming elections, Badale said foreign players shouldn't be afraid as the IPL will leave no stone unturned when it comes to security measures.
"It doesn't make any difference to us (if foreign players are safe in India)," Badale said. "International players are no different from Indian players, and if Indian players are safe here then even the foreign players would be safe."
Badale also read out a statement from team captain Shane Warne, who has indicated his desire to participate in the tournament despite security fears.
"I have no reservations about the security during the IPL in India," Badale quoted Warne as saying. "I'm sure Rajasthan Royals will look after its team and the IPL will look after us well."
Cricket board eyes IPL, bats for co-branded mobile phones
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, or BCCI, is exploring new options of cashing in on the IPL, or Indian Premier League, brand.
The board, according to two senior executives of two IPL franchisee teams, is all set to launch a limited edition of co-branded mobile phones for the upcoming second season of the tournament.
The board has sent out letters to team owners seeking approval for rolling out the co-branded mobile handsets
The board has sent out letters to all the team owners seeking their interest and approval for rolling out co-branded mobile handsets.
Meanwhile, the IPL management is holding talks with some leading handset manufacturers for selling the rights to use IPL brand name for a limited period.
Sundar Raman, chief executive officer, IPL, confirmed the development but he refused to share any details. “Yes, we are talking to several people (for launching co-branded mobile handsets), but it is too early to comment.”
Mint could not independently confirm the names of mobile handset makers who IPL is currently talking to.
The two executives said they have received communication from the IPL board for expression of interest for launching the co-branded handsets. “We have written back to the board seeking more specifics on the proposal...we wish to see the viability of the model,” said one of the two executives. He did not want to be identified.
The board is exploring new ways of connecting the IPL brand with fans and also generate additional revenues in the process, the other executive said.
The duo said that the IPL board will sell the rights to use the IPL brand to mobile handset makers for a certain amount of licence fee, which, in turn, will be shared with those franchisees who agree to be part of the initiative.
The two executives also indicated that along with co-branded handsets, the IPL management is also exploring opportunities to sell the IPL content to mobile phone service providers. This would include screensavers, wall papers, highlights from the IPL archives as well as live clippings from the new season, the two executives said.
A branding expert said that while there is a huge market for cricket content, broadcasting live clippings of matches on mobile phones may not be possible. “Since we do not have the right infrastructure in place, I do not think that fans would be able to see live clipping of the matches,” said Tejaswini Aparanji, associate vice-president, Branding Entertainment, at P9 Integrated Pvt. Ltd.
Market observers say mobile handsets is a large and effective medium of reaching out to cricket fans.
According to Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst, Gartner India Research and Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd, 124 million mobile handsets were sold in India in 2008. This was 25% more over the previous year.
Leading companies which make mobile handsets in India include Nokia India Pvt. Ltd, Samsung Telecommunications India Pvt. Ltd, LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, Motorola India Pvt. Ltd, Haier Tele Communication India Pvt. Ltd, Spice Communications Pvt. Ltd and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication India Pvt. Ltd.
The board, according to two senior executives of two IPL franchisee teams, is all set to launch a limited edition of co-branded mobile phones for the upcoming second season of the tournament.
The board has sent out letters to team owners seeking approval for rolling out the co-branded mobile handsets
The board has sent out letters to all the team owners seeking their interest and approval for rolling out co-branded mobile handsets.
Meanwhile, the IPL management is holding talks with some leading handset manufacturers for selling the rights to use IPL brand name for a limited period.
Sundar Raman, chief executive officer, IPL, confirmed the development but he refused to share any details. “Yes, we are talking to several people (for launching co-branded mobile handsets), but it is too early to comment.”
Mint could not independently confirm the names of mobile handset makers who IPL is currently talking to.
The two executives said they have received communication from the IPL board for expression of interest for launching the co-branded handsets. “We have written back to the board seeking more specifics on the proposal...we wish to see the viability of the model,” said one of the two executives. He did not want to be identified.
The board is exploring new ways of connecting the IPL brand with fans and also generate additional revenues in the process, the other executive said.
The duo said that the IPL board will sell the rights to use the IPL brand to mobile handset makers for a certain amount of licence fee, which, in turn, will be shared with those franchisees who agree to be part of the initiative.
The two executives also indicated that along with co-branded handsets, the IPL management is also exploring opportunities to sell the IPL content to mobile phone service providers. This would include screensavers, wall papers, highlights from the IPL archives as well as live clippings from the new season, the two executives said.
A branding expert said that while there is a huge market for cricket content, broadcasting live clippings of matches on mobile phones may not be possible. “Since we do not have the right infrastructure in place, I do not think that fans would be able to see live clipping of the matches,” said Tejaswini Aparanji, associate vice-president, Branding Entertainment, at P9 Integrated Pvt. Ltd.
Market observers say mobile handsets is a large and effective medium of reaching out to cricket fans.
According to Anshul Gupta, principal research analyst, Gartner India Research and Advisory Services Pvt. Ltd, 124 million mobile handsets were sold in India in 2008. This was 25% more over the previous year.
Leading companies which make mobile handsets in India include Nokia India Pvt. Ltd, Samsung Telecommunications India Pvt. Ltd, LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd, Motorola India Pvt. Ltd, Haier Tele Communication India Pvt. Ltd, Spice Communications Pvt. Ltd and Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication India Pvt. Ltd.
Security still an issue, but Modi says IPL on
Mumbai: The hill town of Dharamsala has been included as the third venue for this year's Indian Premier League which will kick off in Mumbai on April 10 under massive security cover, IPL Chairman Lalit Modi said on Tuesday.
Modi confirmed that Dharamsala will host two matches of the high-profile Twenty20 tournament after a rescheduled itinerary was drawn up for the April 10-May 24 event with Ahmedabad and Vishakapatnam as the other two new centers.
Apart from these new additions, Nagpur was also shortlisted as a possible venue for the high-profile league, but didn't make the cut.
IPL opening ceremony will be bigger and better: Modi
Modi: IPL responsible for players´ security
Home Ministry sends reminder to states staging IPL matches
Central forces cannot be spared in May: Govt.
"A new state has come in and that state government has offered to hold matches. I need it to confer with the franchises. Fortunately, the President of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Anurag Thakur was in the hotel here. It's not a happy coincidence, a design trying to make it sure that everything is fine," Modi said during a function to unveil the new logo for the event's second season.
"Two matches have been agreed upon and are going to be moved from Chandigarh to Dharamsala. We've worked out the dates, those two dates have been frozen," he added.
Modi also said that IPL will take full responsibility for a centrally-managed security set-up which will cost 10 times more than last year.
Modi said the security of players, officials and fans will no longer be left to individual franchises as was the case last year.
"Security is paramount for us. Players, officials and fans are all very important. Players' security was the responsibility of the teams last year but this time we have gone venue by venue managing the security centrally. Of course we will coordinate with the teams," he said.
"Security (budget) will be 10 times more than last year," he said without divulging the exact figure.
IPL's security has become a major issue after the Lahore terror attack on Sri Lankan cricketers -- six of whom were injured -- and last year's Mumbai carnage.
Asked about the reported apprehensions of foreign players and the host state governments, Modi said, "Three state governments (of the eight involved) have already given us their clearance in writing."
"The other five are expected to give it in a day or so. One state government had asked for a change of date and we are working it out."
Modi also ruled out apprehension from players from travelling to the country.
"No foreign player has so far contacted the IPL to say that he is apprehensive. They have never been uncomfortable about coming here. India is not Pakistan, we are a safe country," he said.
Modi also rejected the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations demands for a say in the security arrangements for IPL.
"The IPL is conducted by BCCI and the BCCI talks directly to the Boards. We have never been in touch with FICA. But of course they will talk to the other Boards and coordinate with them," Modi said.
Modi revealed that Chennai, home to last year's semi-finalists Chennai Super Kings, will not get to host all seven of its planned games.
"There are a few blackout dates involved because of the elections. So they will not be hosting all seven of their matches," he said.
Modi said tenders have been floated for multiplexes vying to show live telecast of the IPL matches but with a clause.
"If Mumbai is hosting a match, then the multiplexes there cannot show that match on that day, they will have to show the match going on in some other city," he said.
Modi also made it clear that the IPL Governing Council had decided not to allow the Twenty20 League to be used for political campaigns by any party for the Lok Sabha polls.
Modi said the confirmed contracted revenue for the second edition of the IPL has gone up by Rs 1,725 crore.
"Now it's Rs 10,790 crore. Two official partner slots are still open. We are in talks and are close to signing up one of them," he said.
Modi confirmed that Dharamsala will host two matches of the high-profile Twenty20 tournament after a rescheduled itinerary was drawn up for the April 10-May 24 event with Ahmedabad and Vishakapatnam as the other two new centers.
Apart from these new additions, Nagpur was also shortlisted as a possible venue for the high-profile league, but didn't make the cut.
IPL opening ceremony will be bigger and better: Modi
Modi: IPL responsible for players´ security
Home Ministry sends reminder to states staging IPL matches
Central forces cannot be spared in May: Govt.
"A new state has come in and that state government has offered to hold matches. I need it to confer with the franchises. Fortunately, the President of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association, Anurag Thakur was in the hotel here. It's not a happy coincidence, a design trying to make it sure that everything is fine," Modi said during a function to unveil the new logo for the event's second season.
"Two matches have been agreed upon and are going to be moved from Chandigarh to Dharamsala. We've worked out the dates, those two dates have been frozen," he added.
Modi also said that IPL will take full responsibility for a centrally-managed security set-up which will cost 10 times more than last year.
Modi said the security of players, officials and fans will no longer be left to individual franchises as was the case last year.
"Security is paramount for us. Players, officials and fans are all very important. Players' security was the responsibility of the teams last year but this time we have gone venue by venue managing the security centrally. Of course we will coordinate with the teams," he said.
"Security (budget) will be 10 times more than last year," he said without divulging the exact figure.
IPL's security has become a major issue after the Lahore terror attack on Sri Lankan cricketers -- six of whom were injured -- and last year's Mumbai carnage.
Asked about the reported apprehensions of foreign players and the host state governments, Modi said, "Three state governments (of the eight involved) have already given us their clearance in writing."
"The other five are expected to give it in a day or so. One state government had asked for a change of date and we are working it out."
Modi also ruled out apprehension from players from travelling to the country.
"No foreign player has so far contacted the IPL to say that he is apprehensive. They have never been uncomfortable about coming here. India is not Pakistan, we are a safe country," he said.
Modi also rejected the Federation of International Cricketers' Associations demands for a say in the security arrangements for IPL.
"The IPL is conducted by BCCI and the BCCI talks directly to the Boards. We have never been in touch with FICA. But of course they will talk to the other Boards and coordinate with them," Modi said.
Modi revealed that Chennai, home to last year's semi-finalists Chennai Super Kings, will not get to host all seven of its planned games.
"There are a few blackout dates involved because of the elections. So they will not be hosting all seven of their matches," he said.
Modi said tenders have been floated for multiplexes vying to show live telecast of the IPL matches but with a clause.
"If Mumbai is hosting a match, then the multiplexes there cannot show that match on that day, they will have to show the match going on in some other city," he said.
Modi also made it clear that the IPL Governing Council had decided not to allow the Twenty20 League to be used for political campaigns by any party for the Lok Sabha polls.
Modi said the confirmed contracted revenue for the second edition of the IPL has gone up by Rs 1,725 crore.
"Now it's Rs 10,790 crore. Two official partner slots are still open. We are in talks and are close to signing up one of them," he said.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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