IPL gives notice that SA can host world-class events

Submitted by Steve Woodhall

I got the impression that the Mail & Guardian had their knives into the IPL series, some of the blogs have been a bit … mean. I was suspending judgment but I’ve just watched the wonderful game between Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians at Kingsmead (May 14).

I’ve decided this IS sport. Dedication, athleticism … Yusuf Pathan putting his body on the line diving over the boundary to try and stop a 4. He knocked himself out hitting the advertising boards.

That’s commitment, not play-play cricket. Other good bits were watching the orchidaceous Shilpa Shetty praying, looking at her hands thinking … I will NOT bite my nails! Great stuff!

It was fun, entertaining and sends a huge message to the world that South Africa is a top-class sporting venue. All the doubting Thomases thinking 2010 is going to be a disaster should take note. This series was a great advertisement for South Africa. Sure, not everyone is happy but given the ultra-short lead up time, who’s surprised by that?

Woodhall is a cricket lover (did you see that 6 Kallis hit at the end of the Bangalore/Delhi game!) Liverpool fan (sob!) Bulls fan (no nails left) and ex-Joburger of pom origin living in Durban. Admirer of Zapiro and all at the Mail & Guardian who expose cant and hypocrisy wherever it grows