Page 329 - IPL 2

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GERALD MAJOLA

Talk us through your reactions of that first phone call you received regarding the IPL.
When I received the first call from Lalit Modi asking if we would be in a position to host the 2009 IPL my first reaction was “Wow!”
My second reaction was that Cricket South Africa should do all in its power to assist a fellow member of the ICC in a time of crisis,
especially such a close and valued member as the BCCI.
My third reaction was, that we can do it. We have the climate, the facilities, the track record and the public following to stage high
profile cricket events. We had recently hosted a most successful inaugural ICC Twenty 20 Trophy and we were coming off our own
domestic season so all could be put in place overnight.

The IPL has openly spoken about their gratitude for hosting its second season at such short notice. Tell us the other side of the story,
what were the roadblocks you encountered?
Firstly, we had to get buy-in from our stakeholders and our Board and then we had to clear our decks, so to speak, to co-host an event
from outside our own perimeters.
These issues were swiftly dealt with and CSA and its stakeholders were ready, and able, to stand in at the last minute to accommodate
BCCI.

Did you expect the resounding response from the people of your country?
The South African public has shown over the past few years that they love limited overs cricket, and have showed tremendous support
for the Twenty20 version. We expected a positive response, but not to the extraordinary extent that happened. It was one of the best
sporting events yet held here and anywhere else for that matter.

How did you feel when you learnt that the opening weekend had been sold out?
CSA was overjoyed, especially as Newlands had the shortest time to prepare for the tournament. All hats off to Western Province
Cricket Association for their immediate and enthusiastic support, which led to the full house signs going up.

Was their any team you were rooting for? Any favorites at all?
I was rooting for the event and every team taking part!

Tell us how the HEAT campaign was conceptualized.
This was a great example of creative teamwork between local and international stakeholders. The heat was on all of us to perform –
players, organizers, marketers and the public. All of us loved the challenge and we took the “Heat is On” campaign to its fullest, much
to the enjoyment and delight of all.

Were you worried about the weather or the condition of the pitches considering it was the fag end of the season in SA?
We had just completed our domestic season and a quick whip round of the proposed venues showed that we could do it. We also put in
place anti-dew facilities and other standby measures to cater for a late season high profile event.

What were your observations/learning’s from your Indian counterparts after working so closely with them, and pulling off something
so impossible?
First off, we have a lot in common with BCCI. We both believe that diversity is a strength, we both believe that cricket is a dynamic sport
played in a changing world and therefore energy and vision is needed from its leaders.
We enjoyed working together, and bringing these philosophies to the working table and seeing them succeed in difficult circumstances.
We jumped the hurdles together, and hit the finish tape together in record time. Cricket will never be the same again, and I say this in
a most positive way.
gerald majola & lalit modi
Would you like to have the IPL back in SA at some point in time?
At this time, we have a great deal on our own plate to handle, which is both exciting and time-consuming. However, should the 2009 IPL “
challenge arise again for whatever reason, you will not find CSA wanting.

318 THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN