Johannesburg: "The heat is on" is the catchword on Indian Premier League (IPL) hoardings strewn across Johannesburg. The IPL fever has caught on in South Africa and all seats for the semifinals and finals are sold out. But the selling point, going by the billboards, is not Sachin Tendulkar or Mahendra Singh Dhoni or Virender Sehwag. Instead, the focus is on Shane Warne, Kevin Pietersen, the South African who earned his spurs playing for England and Andrew Flintoff.
Durban has a 1.5 million strong African-Indian community. The Kolkata Knight Riders are a big hit among those of Indian origin. Shah Rukh Khan fans are contributing to the popularity of the Black and Gold team. Unfortunately because of KKR's dismal performance people are switching loyalties.
Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians are also a hot favourite and so is Adam Gilchrist's Deccan Charges and last year's champions Rajasthan Royals. "I have been trying to get a ticket for the semifinal but it has been impossible,'' said the cashier at the Hyatt Regency, a young boy of Indian origin.
Most South Africans are thrilled that the IPL is being held in their country rather than England or for that matter India. "Please don't think it is only in India that people are mad about cricket. We South Africans are as passionate about the game as the Indians," he said. IPL organisers hope at least 10,000 people will fly in from India for the finals but Cricket South Africa is more realistic and expects not more than 5,000, most of them celebrities and well-heeled fans.
Durban has a 1.5 million strong African-Indian community. The Kolkata Knight Riders are a big hit among those of Indian origin. Shah Rukh Khan fans are contributing to the popularity of the Black and Gold team. Unfortunately because of KKR's dismal performance people are switching loyalties.
Tendulkar's Mumbai Indians are also a hot favourite and so is Adam Gilchrist's Deccan Charges and last year's champions Rajasthan Royals. "I have been trying to get a ticket for the semifinal but it has been impossible,'' said the cashier at the Hyatt Regency, a young boy of Indian origin.
Most South Africans are thrilled that the IPL is being held in their country rather than England or for that matter India. "Please don't think it is only in India that people are mad about cricket. We South Africans are as passionate about the game as the Indians," he said. IPL organisers hope at least 10,000 people will fly in from India for the finals but Cricket South Africa is more realistic and expects not more than 5,000, most of them celebrities and well-heeled fans.
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