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Wanderers in doubt for hosting IPL matches

CAPE TOWN - Wanderers hosting the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, including the second semifinal and the final, is still in doubt as the organisers and the local cricket association have not been able to resolve the issue of VIP suites at the Johannesburg stadium.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has reportedly even threatened not to use Wanderers, the largest stadium in the country with 10,000 more seats than any other venue.

The dispute between the IPL and the Gauteng Cricket Board (GCB) is over the IPL’s demand for all the suites in the main pavilion to accommodate its VIP guests including Bollywood stars during the six league games, one semi-final and the final scheduled to be held there.

The IPL organisers and local cricket authorities at the other venues have resolved the dispute over suites without much of a hassle.

There is still time for the matter to be resolved as the first match at Wanderers, between Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Daredevils, is to be played only on May 2.

GCB said it had complied with the initial IPL request to make 2,400 suite seats available for the semifinal and the final, including the use of the prestigious Long Room President’s Suite.

GCB cited contractual obligations with its suite holders which did not allow it to accede to the IPL request.

”We have considered the IPL’s request, but we regret it is not possible to release all the suites,” the report quoted GCB.

The IPL has offered to provide free tickets in the main pavilion of Wanderers for suite holders as well as a demarcated area for their refreshments, but it appears that CSA would have to foot the bill for this from the 30 million rands it is reportedly getting for hosting the series.