The Indian Premier League is set to get underway in less than two weeks time and staging the tournament must be regarded as another feather in the cap of South Africa. Yet another massive event being held in this country means the world considers South Africa as a top class venue for International sporting events. The ICC Champions trophy, the Confederations Cup, the World Cup and now the IPL all on South African soil means we are doing something right. Obviously there are concerns over crime, but our security services have proved that in and around the venues for these events that crime is not a factor. The Army and Police service have displayed their capabilities and are more than prepared for any situation.  

I can see why South Africa is an attractive venue; the weather is great all year round, okay so winter on the Highveld is chilly, but nothing that will produce a snow storm. The currency is favourable, the stadia are world class and the population is sports mad! Safety and security is guaranteed as there are no imminent terrorist threats on the horizon. It all makes for the perfect venue to stage these events.

I met the legendary Adam Gilchrist at a Titans/Deccan Chargers clash and the approachable “Gilly” was thrilled to be back playing cricket in South Africa. Gilchrist heaped praise on the facilities and conditions and said that SA was in for a great IPL. Another Aussie Darren Lehman said it was like being back “home”, sounds like South Africa is a favourite amongst our foreign cricketers.

I recently arrived back from Hong Kong and was surprised to see how great the airport was looking and accommodating it was. I had a few hours to kill before connecting to Durban and took a stroll through OR Tambo International. There were cell phone shops, banks, not just ATMs, great eating spots, music shops, clothing and much more.

The only concern remains the parking, it is still a mission to find a spot and despite having long term parking, spaces are seriously limited! My advice, get dropped and then enjoy the airport, don’t waste your time looking for a spot to park.

We are in for a fantastic IPL and Confed Cup, not to mention the 2010 World Cup which we will definitely host in true African style, I just wish we could get an idea of what games were where and between who so that we could have a choice of matches, the fact that the 2010 LOC are crying about ticket sales is insulting, especially if you buy a ticket and then get to watch Cambodia and Uzbekistan. Let us know where Bafana are playing and then have a go at us for not buying tickets.

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