IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi confirmed Tuesday that two new venues - Ahmedabad and Vishakapatnam will host matches in this year's IPL. He also said that the final schedule was being "fine tuned".
"The schedule is being fine tuned. You have to understand that one game moved has a domino effect," Modi told reporters.
He added that there was also the likelihood of adding Dharamshala and Nagpur as other venues.
The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at Mumbai's DY Patil stadium but the Mumbai Indians are expected to play all their seven home games at the Brabourne stadium.
With security being the top concern this time around, Modi said that the IPL had decided on a central security system, adding that the security budget "has gone up by 10 times since last year".
"Security is paramount for us. Players, officials and fans are all very important. Players' security was the responsibility of the teams last year but this time we have gone venue by venue managing the security centrally. Of course we will coordinate with the teams," Modi said.
"We are in touch with the police commissioners of the states as well for security.
"We have approached the state government for dates when matches should not be held. The IPL will be coming out with a revised schedules with plugging new dates. Ninety per cent of schedules have been cleared. One state has asked for one date to be changed. We are waiting for five states to get back to us with their confirmation," Modi said.
Elaborating on the security plan, Modi said, "From the minute a (foreign) player lands here to the minute he leaves India. From the minute an Indian player enters the hotel to the minute he leaves, we will be managing the security." PTI
Modi said that all states have agreed to the new schedule "in principle" but the new schedule will only be announced "when we get written confirmations".
Modi also said that the Chennai Super Kings might not play all their home games in Chennai and that an alternate venue was being worked out.
The Rajasthan Royals will play their home games in Jaipur.
"Yes, they will play there, Rajasthan was the first state to confirm in writing. The Rajasthan government has approved the schedule in writing."
He also dismissed claims of foreign players raising security issues. No foreign players have contacted IPL about their apprehensions on security."
He added that IPL's security experts had been instructed to be in touch with the board of other countries and "brief them of our security steps".
During the press conference Modi also unveiled the new logo of the DLF Indian Premier League and discussed details of the 30-minute opening ceremony.
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