All set for a successful IPL, says Modi

He said the preparations are in full swing. The board have planned a very good opening night as well as opening ceremony with a spectacular laser and fireworks show.

Mr. Modi said the boycott by the TV news channels is continuing though they had accepted a new set of proposals two nights ago. National Broadcasters’ Association’s is a strange case. 2 nights earlier, the IPL Governing Council and their representatives had a meeting and they had agreed to allow certain amount of flexibility in their programming and amount of video footage that can be shown.

Mr. Modi said they agreed but last night came back to say they needed more concessions which the Governing Council cannot agree. The boycott continues though the IPL board would like them to cover the event but not on the new terms.

Mr. Modi also said the bone of contention was post-match programmes with IPL footage rights of which were with official broadcasters Sony only. But Modi was not too worried about IPL’s stand-off with NBA and said he expected the TRP ratings of the IPL action to get boosted.

People can watch IPL action on Sony and YouTube.

He added that the cricket fans in India were eager to see action inside the stadium after missing it last year when the tournament had to be staged in South Africa because of security concerns as it was clashing with the general elections.

The central revenue pool will be doubled as compared to last year with so many new deals having been struck by the IPL.