Just like the WSOP 2008, this year’s WSOP is set to be bigger than ever!
Catch all the gossip and goings on over at au.888.com. In addition, the poker ashes is set to begin. Who to side with Gough or Warney, the Aussies or the Brits? Houses are going to split, families torn apart whilst true loyalties will rise to the surface. Catch Warney in action at the poker ashes 2009 and the WSOP only at 888 poker.
So how do people feel the IPL went? I personally do not think it was as successful as last years in creating a euphoric excitement. Despite the English Twenty20 stars coming into the teams I do not think the tournament gained as much media coverage as it did in the first year. This may have been due to the tournament being held in a neutral country.
It certainly lacked the atmosphere from the crowds in which it gained from being in India last year.
Let us know your thoughts…..
This year’s IPL will be hosted by South Africa instead of India it has been announced.
The news comes as a big blow to millions of Indians who were hoping to be able to go and see the world’s best cricketers in action on their doorstep like they did in 2008.
IPL boss Lalit Modi had no choice to make the descision because the Indian government could not guarantee security and safety for those participating in the tournament. Security concerns have recently been heightened due to the Indian political elections, which are being held during the tournament as well as because of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Pakistan earlier this month.
The owners of the IPL teams agreed unanimously in moving the event which was originally planned to be held in England but after considerations surrounding the usual inclament weather in England in early summer, Modi and the boards decided that South Africa would be the better option.
The tournament will begin on 17th April with the final on 24th May.
South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola is expected to confirm the switch shortly.
The decision is a major coup for South Africa, who will enjoy the financial benefits of hosting such a high-profile tournament as well as underline their readiness to host the football World Cup in 2010.
Modihad said he had no choice but to move the event because India’s government could not guarantee safety and security resources, with national elections happening at the same time.
A compromise is close which will see England stars such as Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff play in this years IPL.
England captain Andrew Strauss says there is a “huge will” to finalise the players’ central contracts and sort out the IPL issue.
A suggested 15-day limit for England players in the IPL does not suit the franchises involved in the tournament.
But they could stay longer and still return for England’s first home Test.
That match is against West Indies at Lord’s on 6 May and it begins a busy summer which includes the eagerly-anticipated Ashes series with Australia.
The deadline for IPL enteries is 4th February with the IPL beginning on April 10th.
A number of England stars including Kevin Pietersen and Andrew Flintoff have hinted at their desire to play in the IPL.
Despite the West Indies tour of England in May, many player’s feel they should have the opportunity to earn the cash that is available from the tournament. England were originally set to play Sri Lanka in the opening series of the summer, starting with the first test at Lords but the Sri Lankan’s have cancelled the visit due to the majority of their team also taking part in the IPL. This has given many England star’s the feeling of ‘hard done by’ since they have yet to take part in the money spinning tournament.
The IPL takes place between England’s tour of the Windies and the return series in May and any player wishing to star in the IPL would still require a ‘non-objection’ certificate from the ECB. Back in November Andrew Flintoff voiced his opinions on the subject. Speaking after England’s One Day series defeat against the Indians, Flintoff said: “
“India have developed new skills with bat and ball. “We’ve been found wanting in this series. They have moved on their one-day game by playing a lot of Twenty20 cricket.
“The positions they get in to hit the ball and their scoring rate have changed. A few of us are keen on the IPL. The financial reward was mentioned but it will help our development. With the Twenty20 World Cup in England next year, it would be good if we got the chance to play,” he added.
Flintoff’s comments were no doubt used as a voice for the rest of the England team as they attempt to persuade the ECB to strike a deal with Lalit Modi to allow some of them to take part in the second season of the IPL.
Despite the difficulties in the stars playing in the tournament, the good news for them is that Modi has increased the allowance of oversea’s players in any team to ten. This has provided slots for an extra 16 players to be distributed between the eight teams. Modi has also allowed uncapped players to join a team without the need for an auction. This will pave the way for Twenty20 stars such as Essex’s Graham Napier to play.
The lure of the IPL has become as powerful now as it has ever done before but whether the likes of Flintoff will appear is a question only the ECB and Modi can answer.
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