The Indian Premier League, or IPL, which has now been moved to South Africa amid worries over the security of players due to play in it, will now be known as the SAPL, according to cricket chiefs who met yesterday in Johannesburg.
The tournament was moved when the Indian authorities admitted their were grave security concerns after the recent terror attack on Mumbai railway station, and the threat of further trouble during the upcoming Indian General Election.
The South African Cricket Federation has now agreed to host the lucrative competition which, it believes, will strengthen international support for next year's 2010 Football World Cup in the country. It has, however, has stipulated that the name be changed to the South African Premier League, or SAPL, provoking a demonstration in the Indian capital, as well as criticism worldwide .
Former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott, never short of a few words, said:
"Ee bah gum. The'll be teckin' ovver County Championship next, them buggers!"
