Resolved Question: Aren't you people proud to be part of this great game?

The great Indian circus- IPL has landed in South Africa and the buzz in South Africa is unmistakable —the anticipation and excitement is really high. Ali Bacher, former head of Cricket South Africa and a shrewd observer of cricket's dynamics, thinks the IPL this time will be huge. This feeling is not unfounded, considering the interest seen in Durban and Jo'burg. Cassim Docrat, CEO at Kingsmead, says the demand is staggering, it is almost as if Bollywood has landed. Everyone wants a piece of the action — from tour operators to PR agencies to local suppliers. At Centurion, Elise Lombard, CEO of the Titans for the past decade and a half, is equally surprised by the strong corporate interest for the IPL. Sitting in her neat office at Centurion (the book shelf has copies of Wisden since 1900 and biographies of Ali, Cronje and Shane Warne) Elise heads an organization that combines cricket with commerce. Supersports Park is designed to deliver spectator comfort, meets the needs of corporates and also maintains the traditions of cricket. The string of hospitality suites have excellent facilities but access to the super exclusive Committee Room is governed by a terse notice which says — Only Tie and Jacket, no kids. This is the power of cricket, it's bringing people and nations closer. Why can't we be part of this spirit? glad Easter to every in the Cricket section

11 Apr 2009, 10:02 am | click here to view more