IPL to make foray in the US in 18 months

London:

There is some good news for cricket enthusiasts in the United States of America as the high-profile Indian Premier League is contemplating of bringing the Twenty20 event to that country in near future to expand its global reach.

According to a report in the 'London Times', IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi is planning to stage some future matches of cash-rich tournament in the US.

"We hope to be able to provide the fans in the US the live experience of the IPL. We will start with a few matches in the US in the next 18 months or so," Modi was quoted as saying in the newspaper.

The report also predicted that bringing the IPL to the US would be a hugely profitable move for the private league.

"Modi has won plaudits and derision for taking the commercialisation of cricket to new levels. Two years ago, shortly before the inaugural season, he secured $1 billion for the television rights to the IPL," the report said.

"His latest plans to extend cricket's ambit are also likely to be motivated by money. America is home to the world's most valuable advertising market and a large population with roots in cricketing regions such as India, Pakistan and the West Indies," the report added.