The concept behind forming the Indian Premier League (IPL) was to capitalise on the popularity of T20 cricket and through the media, both print and electronic, give the game in the country a massive boost. Maybe circumstances have forced the organisers to move to South Africa for this the second edition though there has been an assurance that it would be back where it belongs next year. One would have to wait and see, because any number of twists and turns are possible in what is a money-making venture.

There are quite a few first class players in India who would welcome the opportunity of playing in South Africa, which otherwise would have been impossible for them. Maybe there could even be a couple who have never travelled overseas.

But considering the reactions from key players like Shane Warne and Daniel Vettori that they are disappointment with the shifting of the venue, there seems to be the feeling that there is no place like India in which to play the game, what with the massive and colourful crowd support. By the end of the inaugural tourney, which was won by Warne’s Rajasthan Royals, one could see that cricket fans were completely fascinated and involved and had decided to support one of the teams. It was a sort of metamorphosis because initially there were doubts if individual teams would have the sort of partisan support which characterises competitions in which state or club teams are involved.

Of course, crowds have long since decided that going to grounds to watch matches is not worth their while when they can pick up the action in their drawing rooms or in their clubs, but then the IPL proved to be a success all right and made all sorts of people extremely wealthy. Fair enough when the business of this type of cricket is to make money and provide quickfire entertainment.

The man behind it all, Lalit Modi, must have heaved a sigh of relief that the second edition of the tourney is to be played after all. However, he too must be wondering how it can be named IPL when it is being played in South Africa. But then the participating teams are Indian franchisees and proud of the titles they have each given themselves.

How will the South African cricket fan identify himself with any of the teams? Though there are a lot of people, especially in Durban and Johannesburg of Indian extraction, many might not be cricket fans? It is logical to assume that the organisers would have to resort to cheaper tickets and other attractive incentives to bring the spectators in. For the future of the IPL it would be better if it comes home to where it belongs. Also, with the Pakistan players out of the fray, it might not be as exciting as the first time.