Hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) 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 should be significant,” he said in a statement following a press briefing in Cape Town.
Modi said 22 000 hotel rooms 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 will 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.
”This includes the Central IPL and IMG event team of 60, a television and digital media crew of over 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.
Also on Thursday, a joint planning committee for security for the tournament said it was confident the country had the capacity to ensure a safe and secure event.
The committee, comprising the South African Police Service, the defence force and the national intelligence agency, said it would safeguard all the matches.
”The ability of the South African security forces to safeguard major events has been internationally recognised with 141 international events having taken place in South Africa since 1994 without any serious incident,” said the committee in a statement.
Nevertheless, it said, tourists should remain vigilant and not flaunt valuables when out and about.
The committee said there would be a zero tolerance attitude to crime or unruly behaviour.
Security measures would be in place at all stadiums. Unruly spectators or those who failed to comply with security arrangements could face prosecution.
”Certain areas and streets in and around the venues will be closed to traffic during these events.
”We are confident that, from past experience, both spectators and local communities will cooperate with security forces to ensure a successful tournament.” – Sapa