New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Gaurav Kapur, who is hosting after-match shows of the Indian Premier League (IPL), said that he was glad to see the Twenty20 matches being played to packed stadiums in South Africa.
“It was great to see that on a lot of occasions the tickets were sold out and the audience was not just Indians but scores of locals,” Gaurav said.

“Definitely the numbers there are less because a normal ground in South Africa can accommodate 14,000-20,000 people, while in India it is four times more. But the popularity is the same,” said Gaurav, who is a self-confessed cricket fan.

Gaurav said that even though the glamour quotient at this year’s tournament was less since the venue was changed, still Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan and Shilpa Shetty added spice to the show.

“Bollywood presence at the IPL this year is definitely low as compared to last year. But I think the only reason is the change of venue. However, the audience in South Africa were not disappointed and were extremely excited to see Shah Rukh and Shilpa,” Gaurav, who is back from South Africa, told IANS over phone from Mumbai.

“Whenever there used to be a Kolkata Knight Riders’ match or a Rajasthan Royals’ match, people used to go mad with excitement.”

Shah Rukh is the owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, while Shilpa is the co-owner of last season’s winner Rajasthan Royals. The inaugural edition of the IPL was held in India but the second version was shifted to South Africa as the dates clashed with the general elections in the country.

Gaurav will host the rest of the tournament from studios in Mumbai. The finals of the eight-team tournament will be played May 24.

Talking about his on-field experience, the former MTV VJ said: “My experience at the IPL was mixed. The games days were brilliant but the off days were boring since all I wanted was watch cricket all the time. No shopping, no sight seeing for me.”

Among the teams, Gaurav picks Deccan Chargers and Chennai Super Kings as his favourites.

“I like the Chennai Super Kings. I got a chance to hang around with them a little. They are really nice as people and as players. I even like the way Deccan Chargers have done a complete turn around this year. In fact, it will be great to see Chennai and Deccan playing the final.”

The actor, whose last venture “Bad Luck Govind” failed at the box-office, is also focusing on a Pritish Nandi Communication film comedy called “Salunn”.

Centurion, May 18 (IANS) Kolkata Knight Riders registered their second victory in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a seven-wicket win over Chennai Super Kings here Monday.
Brief scores: Chennai Super Kings 188/3 in 20 overs (Suresh Raina 52, Mahendra Singh Dhoni 40 not out; Ashok Dinda 1-29). Knight Riders 189/3 in 20 overs (Brendon McCullum 81, Brad Hodge 71 not out).

DD vs RCB | Delhi vs Bangalore | Delhi Daredevils vs Royal Challengers Bangalore | 52nd Match: IPL Delhi Daredevils vs IPL Royal Challengers Bangalore – Johannesburg

The ‘Indian Premier League 2009′ will held in South Africa and organized by BCCI. It most exciting cricketing event. Indian Premier League 2009 is expected to be more successful and many new local and International Player will play in biggest series. The match schedule of the series is given bellow.

The IPL Teams are Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers.

The IPL Kings XI Punjab vs IPL Deccan Chargers will be played on 19th  May 2009 at Johannesburg.

Johannesburg, May 17 (IANS) Rohit Sharma struck an unbeaten 32 off 13 balls to pull off a thrilling six-wicket victory for Deccan Chargers against Kolkata Knight Riders in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match here saturday.
Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders 160 for five in 20 overs (Brad Hodge 48, David Hussey 43; Ryan Harris 2-20). Deccan Chargers 166 for four in 20 overs (Adam Gilchrist 43, Rohit Sharma not out 32, Murali Kartik 1-12).

KXIP vs DC | Punjab vs Deccan | 50th Match: IPL Kings XI Punjab vs IPL Deccan Chargers – Johannesburg

The ‘Indian Premier League 2009′ will held in South Africa and organized by BCCI. It most exciting cricketing event. Indian Premier League 2009 is expected to be more successful and many new local and International Player will play in biggest series. The match schedule of the series is given bellow.

The IPL Teams are Chennai Super Kings, Deccan Chargers, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Bangalore Royal Challengers.

The IPL Kings XI Punjab vs IPL Deccan Chargers will be played on 17th  May 2009 at Johannesburg.