IPL owners planning for India show only

Mumbai, Feb.23 (ANI): Indian Premier League (IPL) team owners are continuing to plan for the tournament, which begins in Mumbai on March 12.

The fact that it was shifted at short notice to South Africa last year has left some players hoping that will happen again following threats from al-Qaeda and right wing nationalists in Mumbai, but franchisee owners have said they have no such plans.

"The fact it was moved last year has raised a level of expectation that it could be done again but it would be a lot harder to move it this time. There are a billion people desperate to see the IPL in India and it will be in India. Last year it was moved because the government could not offer full security because of the election. There was no threat level. It was very different," The Telegraph quoted one IPL owner, as saying.he Deccan Chargers have confirmed they will not hold anything against players who pull out of the tournament.

The IPL are said to be in high-level discussions with the Indian government to guarantee each state can provide intensive close contact security from specially trained officers. (ANI)