Secondly, there is no direct conflict of interest between the IPL’s major corporate partners in India and companies in South Africa, making it easier to market the event, sources indicated.

Although the South African domestic season is almost over, CSA has asked their respective associations to keep their grounds in order and be ready to stage matches. According to IPL sources, Durban is likely to be made the base considering the presence of the large Indian population, with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and Centurion as the other venues.

Another factor that could go against England is the fact that the IPL might have to play on grounds used by the minor counties — England host West Indies in a Test series, while the County Championships will also be underway — as the bigger grounds might be unavailable.

However, Cricket South Africa (CSA) chief executive Gerald Majola remained cautious about South Africa’s chances. “All that’s happened so far is that we’ve received an invitation, an approach in fact, from the BCCI to be a possible option for their IPL because they took a decision yesterday to move away from India,” Majola was quoted as saying by The Guardian.

Interestingly, the general elections in South Africa are also due on April 22, a one-day affair — the IPL kicks off on April 10 and gets over only on May 24 — while the South Africa-Australia one-day series will also conclude only on April 17.

England continues to remain in contention though, especially with the eight franchises preferring that as the venue.

... contd.