MUMBAI: The continuing TV news
channels boycott notwithstanding, Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi
expects a successful third edition of the cash-rich Twenty20 event starting
March 12.

“The preparations are in full swing and there are no
hiccups. We all are ready to go. We have planned a very good opening night as
well as opening ceremony with a spectacular laser and fireworks show,” Modi said
at a media conference to announce IPL’s latest tie-up with Karbonn
Mobiles.

Modi said the boycott by the TV news channels is continuing
though they had accepted a new set of proposals two nights
ago.

“Nantional Broadcasters’ Association’s is a strange case. The
IPL Governing Council and their representatives had a meeting two nights ago and
we had agreed to allow certain amount of flexibility in their programming and
amount of video footage that can be shown,” the IPL chief said.

But
Modi explained that there was a change of heart on the broadcasters’ end within
24 hours and last night a few of them came to ask for more concessions which, he
said, cannot be granted.

“They agreed then but last night came back
to say they needed more concessions which the Governing Council cannot agree.
The boycott continues though I would like them to cover the event but not on the
new terms,” he said.

Modi said the bone of contention was post-match
programmes with IPL footage rights of which were with official broadcasters Sony
only.

But Modi was not too worried about IPL’s stand-off with NBA and
said he expected the TRP ratings of the IPL action to get
boosted.

“People can see IPL action on Sony and YouTube (with whom
the League has struck a deal to show complete ‘live’ action with a five-minute
delay for India),” he said.

Modi said the cricket fans in India were
eager to see action inside the stadium after missing it last year when the
tournament had to be staged in South Africa because of security concerns as it
was clashing with the general elections.

“People are waiting for IPL
to start. We are going to stage it with lot of innovations. IPL will take a new
avatar,” he declared.

Modi also said that the central revenue pool
will be doubled as compared to last year with so many new deals having been
struck by the IPL.