IPL will benefit South African economy: Modi

Cape Town:

South African economy will gain immensely through the oraganisation of the cash-rich Indian Premier League, its Chairman Lalit Modi said on Thursday while also thanking the wholesome support they got from the hosts.

Modi said they received tremendous support from the South African Government at national, provincial and local levels and also from Cricket SA for holding of the mega event.

"If we look at some of the key statistics it is clear to me that the economic benefits should be significant. A total of 22,000 hotel rooms have been booked with Southern Sun Hotels, 10 000 domestic flight bookings have been made and the millions of Rands will be spent on ticket, food and beverage, transport and merchandise sales.

"We also expect large groups of Indian tourists will come to South Africa to watch at least several games each," Modi, also a BCCI Vice President, said.