IPL to make foray in the US in 18 months

London, Jan 18 (PTI) There is some good news for cricket
enthusiasts in the United States of America as the
high-profile Indian Premier League is contemplating of
bringing the Twenty20 event to that country in near future to
expand its global reach.
According to a report in the 'London Times', IPL Chairman
and Commissioner Lalit Modi is planning to stage some future
matches of cash-rich tournament in the US.
"We hope to be able to provide the fans in the US the
live experience of the IPL. We will start with a few matches
in the US in the next 18 months or so," Modi was quoted as
saying in the newspaper.
The report also predicted that bringing the IPL to the US
would be a hugely profitable move for the private league.
"Modi has won plaudits and derision for taking the
commercialisation of cricket to new levels. Two years ago,
shortly before the inaugural season, he secured USD 1 billion
for the television rights to the IPL," the report said.
"His latest plans to extend cricket's ambit are also
likely to be motivated by money. America is home to the
world's most valuable advertising market and a large
population with roots in cricketing regions such as India,
Pakistan and the West Indies," the report added. PTI DB
AHM