IPL will probably be played in England or South Africa, in the wake of a tussle between the Government and BCCI.
The BCCI took the surprise decision on Sunday after the Union Home Ministry and some state governments had told the organisers that it may not be possible to provide adequate security for the 45-day tournament whose dates clash with the Lok Sabha polls.
Even a rescheduling of the matches and change of some venues had not satisfied the security establishment which had heightened concerns after the Lahore terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team.
Determined to go ahead with the tournament which involves big money -- some estimates putting the figure at close to Rs 10,000 crores mainly in TV rights and sponsorships -- the BCCI threw a googly at the government by taking the tournament out of the country.
After the meeting of the BCCI working Committee attended among others by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, the BCCI President Shashank Manohar told a press conference that they were forced to take the tournament out of the country because of the government's attitude.
"Apologies to the people of India"
The decision to shift the Twenty20 tournament out of the country was taken at the BCCI's emergency Working Committee meeting to take a final call on the cash-rich event which had run into rough weather because of security apprehensions.
"Because of the attitude of the government that they are not ready to spare security forces for the cricket tournament, we are forced to take the decision to move the event out of India," BCCI President Shashank Manohar told a press conference.
IPL officials set to leave for England
"So the Board has decided to take the tournament out of the country. We are in discussion with other Boards who are willing to host the event. I apologise to the people of India for moving the tournament out," Manohar said.
"But we're are going ahead with the event so that they can at least watch the event on television," Mahohar added.
"Schedule to be out by Monday evening"
Modi: Final IPL dates and venue on Monday evening
IPL Commissioner and Chairman Lalit Modi said that the new dates and the venue will be decided on Monday evening.Modi said the number of matches, format and timing of the event will remain unchanged and the organisers would not tinker with the "integrity of the tournament".
"Dates and timings of the matches will remain the same. The Indian audiences can watch the matches at 4 pm and 8 pm IST as they did in the inaugural season," Modi said.
"Revenue cannot be an issue, the 59-match tournament will remain as 59-match tournament. The issue is the integrity of the tournament.
Manohar expressed displeasure at state governments' attitude
"We want to ensure the quality which we deliver and it cannot be compromised. We have to deliver the world standard event," he said.
Manohar also expressed his displeasure at the state governments' attitude, saying Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra Government changed there stance at the last moment.
"The AP government revoked its earlier permission... And Maharashtra Chief Minister wrote a letter that we can't host matches in that state until May 13. We had scheduled 18 matches for Maharashtra," he said.
Asked if franchise were also taken into the confidence before taking the decision, Manohar said "the franchise would want the tournament to go ahead".
BCCI will not hold a truncated event, says Modi
Meanwhile, a BCCI press release, said it was not possible to hold the event on any other dated that the original schedule due to busy international calender.
"The BCCI is conscious of the general elections, which will be held between April 16 and May 13, 2009. The BCCI has had several discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs on the scheduling of IPL matches.
"...It is pertinent to understand that within the present International calendar of events, there is no other window for IPL to be played during this year. Immediately after conclusion of the IPL, the teams will play in England on May 25 for the ICC Twenty20 World Cup commencing from June 2.
Flintoff disappointed with IPL switch



"After the ICC Twenty20 World Cup, the Indian team will play four ODIs in the West Indies after which, the team will tour Zimbabwe for a tri-series involving Zimbabwe and South Africa.
"In September, India would play Champions Trophy in South Africa, following which would be the Champions League. Between October 2009 and March 2010, there are three home series against Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa," it said.
The release also said the tournament provided a large revenue last year so, it would not hold a truncated event.
"The experience of the first IPL has shown that apart from providing employment at the various venues, IPL has also contributed close to Rs. 100.0 crores to the exchequer.
"The BCCI, therefore, is not in a position to either play a truncated IPL or to cancel the 2nd edition of the IPL... The BCCI is left with no other option but to conduct the Indian Premier League in another country."