Match Point

While Lalit Modi and his associates are working overtime to ensure a smooth run for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa...

Now that were over the disappointment of the IPL moving to South Africa,here are the options to get there

While Lalit Modi and his associates are working overtime to ensure a smooth run for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa,back home travel agents are working out innovative deals for those looking to see some live cricket action. India is a cricket-loving nation and everybodys excited about the IPL. A range of packages will be offered to cater to the varied demand, states P Srinivas,senior vice-president,special interest tours,SOTC. His firm will be offering eight to ten package options,priced Rs 45,000 upward.The three nights/four days package will allow fans to watch all eight teams play during the preliminary matches and the seven nights/eight days tour will cover matches in different cities in the Republic. Some can opt to reserve their seats for the final match at Johannesburg; and those who hoot for a particular team can follow it to different stadiums. The packages will include airfare,hotel accommodation and sightseeing. Match tickets will also be provided, adds Srinivas,who has started booking hotel rooms keeping in mind the last-minute rush.

On MakeMyTrip.com,a one-way ticket to Cape Town,on April 17,a day before the opening ceremony,costs close to Rs 30,000 on Emirates Airlines,but for some additional money for which the details are still being worked out,Dimple Gandhi,director of Cutting Edge Events,is offering a package that includes tickets for the ceremony,apart from hotel accommodation and airfare. The tickets are still to go on sale,but Gandhi is hard at work to ensure she gets a handful. These will be highly coveted, states Gandhi,penning details for a three-night tour. Offering packages for several other sports events,including the upcoming ICC Twenty20 Cricket World Cup 2009 in England,Gandhi adds,Sports clubbed with sightseeing make for an interesting vacation.

Iqbal Mulla,chairman and managing director of Treasure Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd,agrees. He is hopeful that IPL will generate interest in the holiday season. We target the youngsters. We might give discounts to corporates for bulk bookings, he reveals. He shrugs when we ask him if the economic slowdown will change cricket buffs plans. The fares are quite reasonable and watching IPL in South Africa will be an unforgettable experience, says Mulla. According to Srinivas the number of bookings could multiple after the initial matches. The excitement generated during the first few days will influence the decision to attend the following matches. With limited direct flights plying from India to South Africa,he does not rule out the possibility of hiring chartered flights if the demand is exorbitant.

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