Former South African cricket board chief Ali Bacher has urged the ICC to create a permanent window for the Indian Premier League in its calendar as the Twenty20 tournament has become the 'number one event in world cricket'.
"This is the number one sporting event at the moment in world cricket. I would like to suggest that the International Cricket Council give a permanent window for the Indian Premier League every year," Bacher, who was the CEO of the Uniter Cricket Board which later became Cricket South Africa, said.
The former South Africa captain said IPL has redefined cricket marketing by successfully managing the huge logistical exercise of shifting the event here this year after a clash of dates with general elections prevented its organisation in India.
"The second season has redefined marketing in cricket. I have never seen such coverage and support for any South African sporting event like this before. It is a new product in South Africa and has been overwhelmingly accepted," he was quoted as saying by the IPL's official website.