India's biggest property developer DLF Group has paid US $50 million to be the title sponsor of DLF IPL for a period of 5 years. DLF won this title sponsorship through an open bid process and that is why it is called DLF IPL. Among the other bidders were World Sports Group, bidding on behalf of Hero Honda Motors (India) Ltd and Percept D’Mark (World Sporting Giant). Also for the sports broadcast Sony Max and World Sport Group bagged DLF IPL global media and production rights for over $1 billion for a period of 10 years.
IPL 2 or 2nd season of Cricket IPL was hosted in South Africa which was played from April 18th 2009 till 24th may 2009. This season is considered as one of the biggest Cricket Tournament played till date after the world Cup. Issues were raised by the India government that it can be target of the terrorists and security being a major concern; it was officially announced on 24th March 2009 by Cricket IPL that DLF IPL 2009 will now be Played in South Africa.
Relocating DLF IPL presented huge logistical challenges for IPL 2, Cricket IPL had to inject a good amount of money into South Africa's local economy to get it rolling. In addition to that, another big contract was signed with Multi Screen Media for live broadcast of IPL season 2 matches from South Africa for the Indian public by cricket IPL.
Certain rules were changed for the second season of DLF IPL. There was an increase in the number of foreign players from 8 to 10 in a particular team but still only 4 foreign players can be part of the playing 11. Cricket IPL also initiated talks with other Cricket Boards that were not part of the first Season like the English Cricket Board to their players to participate in the Indian Premier League. The player purchase price was also increased in IPL 2.
Even after facing real danger of cancellation of IPL 2 all together, Cricket IPL was strong in taking and executing important decisions at the right time and making sure That IPL 2 was hosted in South Africa and was hailed as a perfect accomplishment. The IPL 2 tournament was particularly praised for globalizing cricket and had set a record TV viewership. Deccan Chargers won the 2nd season of IPL or IPL 2 while the Bangalore Royal Challengers was declared the runner up. |
