IPL will be on, but with a few changes

New Delhi, Mar 13: The Union Home Ministry on Friday, Mar 13 cleared the hosting of the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 20-20 competition, but with a few changes in the schedule.

The Home Ministry took a decision to hold the event after consultations of seven states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal, where security is said to be a major concern.

Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta held a video conference with senior officials of these states where the IPL is scheduled to be played in April-May.

National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and other security officials were also present during the video conference.

Sources said the ministry had suggested change in the dates and the venues in the IPL schedule. The meeting was held after as several states conveyed their willingness to host the Twenty20 cricket tournament, but only with the help of paramilitary forces.

During the 90-minute video conference the states are understood to have told the home ministry that it was not possible to hold the Twenty20 matches without additional security personnel from the central grid.

The official sources said that only Delhi was willing to host the league and elections simultaneously.

ANI