Dhumal says shifting of IPL,loss for HP

Four IPL matches were proposed at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium at Dharamsala and the state government had planned to cash the event to promote tourism in the state.

Dhumal blamed the UPA government for the IPL’s decision and said failure to conduct the mega cricketing event due to security reasons has severely dented the country’s image.

“Today India is seen as standing alongside Pakistan where the Sri Lankan team had to abandon their series midway after terrorist attack,” Dhumal said.

“A wrong impression has gone outside that India,a country of 115 crore people,could not organise the Indian Premier League because of security concerns and it will now be held in South Africa,” he said.

Dhumal said the government of India and BCCI could have adjusted dates for the second edition of the IPL so that it did not clash with the dates for the general election.

“It will be great fun. The South African public love their Twenty20 and I’m sure it will be another great spectacle,like the World T20,” Pietersen said.

“Having some family back in South Africa means I will get the best of both worlds. We’ll play in front of some passionate fans,” he added.

The tournament will now run a week later than initially planned,from April 18 to May 24,which will reduce the participation of Pietersen and his fellow England cricketers from three to two weeks.