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elcome to one and all that are fortunate enough to be here at the thrilling climax of a wonderful journey and all
of you at home that have watched and lived through the enthralling ride.

Modern India stands for confidence and optimism. We truly believe that the IPL represents all that modern India stands

for, but even we have been surprised by the amazing confidence and unbridled optimism we encountered throughout
our time here in this wonderful country. South Africa, but especially you the fans, thank you from the bottom of our
hearts for making our event a truly global phenomenon. We will be eternally grateful to you for opening your hearts
and minds to us and embracing us with such passion and enthusiasm.

Season 2 of the IPL has been an unqualified success. I am not saying this from a personal or subjective perspective.

It’s a fact. The TV ratings have exceeded Season 1 in India despite the election and our being away from the heartland
of supporters ; and fans here in South Africa have attended in droves and total ticket sales have exceeded any other
international event in this land other than the World Cup. To the fans in India, thank you for your support, your patience
and your understanding. We will return next year bigger and better.

I feel so humbled by all that has happened these past two months and I am so grateful to so many. I will not mention any
by name but I must start by expressing my gratitude to the BCCI who supported our decision to move out of India; our

wonderful hosts Cricket South Africa for standing up and being counted; to the Team Owners, and sponsors who had
the confidence to back themselves and the IPL; to IMG to stage and televise this brilliant spectacle; to the unbelievably
talented and committed players who entertained us so royally; to my tireless staff who have not slept more than the
bare minimum for the past two months; to the media and press who have covered us so comprehensively; to all the
brilliant South African agencies, promoters, entertainers and hosts who have made the overall appeal of the IPL in

Africa such a rich and unique blend of the best of our two growing and flourishing Rainbow Nations. Together, in the
last two months, we have created an incredible piece of sports marketing history. To relocate an event of this size to
another continent, with less than four weeks preparation time, is simply mind boggling. Nothing like this has ever been
achieved before and I am very proud of my IPL family for what we have accomplished.

Finally I am eternally grateful to my wife Minal and our wonderful children Karima, Aliya and Ruchir whose support and
love have emboldened and inspired me.

As I stand here I am filled with pride, joy and gratitude. But above all I am filled with optimism and hope. Hope for our
sport as it continues to demonstrate how it brings people together , hope for the young and gifted who will be inspired
by the example of these great athletes , and hope for our two great nations who will grow closer together.

LALIT MODI

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