Put off IPL, says Chidambaram

Home Minister P Chidambaram said he wanted the Indian Premier League cricket tournament postponed because it clashed with next month's general elections.

Updated on: Mar 3, 2009, 21:04:28 IST

AFP | By HT Correspondent, New Delhi

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Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Tuesday he wanted the Indian Premier League cricket tournament postponed because it clashed with next month's general elections.

"I have asked the Home Secretary to get in touch with the IPL organisers," Chidambaram told the CNN-IBN news channel.

"Since, the election dates are unalterable, I have asked to find out if the dates of the IPL can be rescheduled. I would be happy if the tournament starts when the bulk of the polls are over.

"I will be stretched to provide security for both the IPL and the elections."

The multi-million dollar Twenty20 tournament is due to be played from April 10 to May 24, while the parliamentary elections will be held in five phases between April 16 and May 13.

Chidambaram's comments came on the day when armed gunmen attacked the Sri Lankan cricket team in the Pakistani city of Lahore, causing injuries to seven players.

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