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IPL to kick off in Jaipur, says Modi

The second season of the IPL will kick off with a grand opening ceremony in Jaipur, IPL chairman Lalit Modi has confirmed

Cricinfo staff
23-Feb-2009
The second season of the IPL will kick off with a grand opening ceremony in Jaipur, IPL chairman Lalit Modi has confirmed. Modi also said the defending champions Rajasthan Royals' would play two matches of their home matches in Ahmedabad.
"As of now, the gala opening ceremony and the inaugural IPL match will be held in Jaipur," he told reporters in Jaipur. "I understand that Rajasthan Royals are keen to play two matches in Ahmedabad. I don't know which two matches they would be but the rest of matches will be played in Jaipur."
Modi had earlier said the league may shift matches out of Jaipur if it perceives any opposition to the staging of matches there from the state or city administration.
Modi was in Jaipur to file his nomination for the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) elections on March 1. He said the result of the elections would not have any affect on the start of the IPL, which starts on April 10. "I was waiting for the schedule of elections but now we do not have much time in hand so I have forwarded the IPL schedule to Rajasthan government for approval," he said. "I have been hearing that the state government will provide all support to IPL. I have also received good feelers. Hotel bookings are good and there are other progress."
Modi said he hoped for "free and fair" contests. "The elections should be fair and square. I have been nominated for the post of president and I have accepted the proposal. Let all eligible units vote. No one should be debarred from voting."
Modi, who was close to the previous state administration in Rajasthan, has been facing resistance at the local association from a group of dissidents ever since the government changed hands after an election last year. "Some of the districts are opposing me but I am confident of victory," he said. "I have some unfinished tasks. I want to spread the game and that is why I want to fight elections."