With little more than three weeks left, for start of IPL, franchise are said to, combat each other for best practise facilities and best bases to train in South Africa. Al ready they have unveiled their plans, regarding the dates of their scheduled training for this 2nd edition of IPL.

Rajasthan Royals, who are champions, has went one rung ahead and signed a deal with Cape Kobras and western provinces, so that they can train in Newlands ground, cape town and also are scheduled to play a match against pro 20 champions Cape Kobras, which would be ideal for their preparation for IPL.

Mumbai Indians are said ,to be eying Durban for their practise base, as they are said to have a huge Asian population and coupled with good practise facilities, whereas Kolkata Knight Riders (KKC), are said to be eyeing Bloemfontein as their practise base.

There are also speculations that different franchise are competing each other for good practise bases like Durban and Pretoria. When queried about it Lalith Modi, he said that, they have received request from all franchise and they are working on it to provide best possible solution to their practise bases in South Africa.

IPL board has also announced, that it would bear all the travel expenses of franchise squads, for their travel to South Africa, which will be confined to specific number and they will announce the number later.

Franchise like Delhi Dare Devils and Chennai Super kings are said to go with a training camp in their own cities at April 1 and March 31 respectively before sending their squads to South Africa.

Franchises have decided to take approximately around 22 to 29 players to South Africa. Delhi is gratified to take 22 players to South Africa informed by Delhi daredevil’s director Shekar, whereas Mumbai Indians ,which have already sent its few of Indian domestic players to train under Shaun Pollock, would accommodate maximum of 29 players. Bangalore Royal challengers coach said that they will send around 20 to 25 members for training camp which is scheduled to begin in April 5.

Franchises also desire to have a home base, as it can increase loyal fans for each franchise among the local supporters, but it is said to be practically not feasible because weather condition in few cities cannot allow them to host more than few matches. Al ready schedule has been prepared such that all teams get the fair share in playing their matches in all eight different venues.

It would be interesting, to see how franchises and players get their preparation underway, in the country which is entirely outlandish for them.