Lalit Modi, the IPL Commissioner, has revealed that the IPL would be contested from 10th April 2009 to 24th May 2009. The only changes were that the itinerary would have to be revised and if there is a necessity, additional venues in India would have to be selected. India’s home minister, P Chidambaram assured that the IPL matches would be offered security but the dates of the matches should be such that a direct clash with the elections in the nation does not take place. The IPL has forwarded a revised itinerary to the home ministry. After the internal meeting of the BCCI, Modi told reporters that there has been a contact with all states in India and in a short span of time a new schedule would be planned. Modi added that the fans and sponsors should feel assured that the IPL would be held and there was no issue of holding the IPL in another nation. Presently, work was in progress on determining the new schedule which was a cumbersome task. There was a consensus regarding the fact that in any city there would be no match on the day of counting votes of the general election.
New venues
Modi added that as per the original plan, there were 9 venues for the IPL. However, if it was essential additional venues would be thought of. Currently, 14 cities are available for contesting the matches. For example, Ahmedabad is being considered as an alternative venue. Modi made it clear that the security was completely prepared and in the next week a detailed meeting on security has been planned.