Sachin Tendulkar excited about IPL in South Africa

Noida (UP), Apr 15 (ANI): Indian cricket team's star batsman Sachin Tendulkar avoided debate over the venue of this year's edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Further, he asserted that as the skipper of Mumbai Indians, he is eager to regale the supporters of his team despite the matches being played in South Africa.

When persisted by journalists for his comments on the government's inability to provide security for the IPL extravaganza, Tendulkar said, "I am sure the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the concerned guys must have tried their best. It's just coincided with the elections. I don't think by shifting the tournament to South Africa there will be any less interest. The interest is terrific."

He said this while interacting with media persons at a reception hosted by Jaypee University of Technology at Noida here last evening.

The BCCI wanted to stage the event overseas after failing to get government clearance for security cover as certain dates of fixtures clashed with the general elections.

The IPL was a huge success in its inaugural edition in cricket-crazy India last year, primarily because it was structured around city-based franchises with a fan base in home and away matches.

However, Tendulkar wasn't a part of the winning Indian side in the ICC Twenty-20 World Cup held in South Africa 2007 due to injury.

And reportedly he has expressed his inability to be a part of the national side which again plays in England this June.

On this score, he said that he does not wish upset the team's combination that has shaped well over the last two years.

"I would have loved to be there (England). But I feel, it would be unfair to disturb the combination and that's the only reason I have stayed out of the team," added Tendulkar. (ANI)