South Africa was confirmed as host of the second edition of the Indian Premier League next month.
"We are very happy to confirm that South Africa will host the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League tournament," IPL chairman Lalit Modi said in a statement following a meeting of the event's organisers and Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola.
England was also considered a possible alternative for the competition, which was moved out of India as its dates clashed with those of the country's general elections.
The tournament will start on April 18.
"We would like to thank Cricket South Africa very much for the support they have given us over the past few days, which has helped us to come to this decision.
"The BCCI and the Indian Premier League wish to thank both the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) for their generous offers to host Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League. A lot of factors were considered by us while evaluating the final choice for the host venue. However, in the final analysis I think it was the South African weather, which prevailed and tilted the balance in favour of the Rainbow Nation.
"I would like to once again reaffirm the IPL's commitment to its loyal fans stating that matches will be broadcast in India at 4 pm and 8 pm as promised," Modi added.
The DLF Indian Premier League will now work closely with Cricket South Africa to ensure that all the necessary logistics and technicalities are completed well in time before the league kicks-off on April 18.
Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League will feature the eight Franchises doing battle over 36 days in South Africa and each franchise will continue to play on a home and away basis with seven matches at home.
The top four franchises in the league will contest the semi-finals and the victorious semi-finalists will meet in the grand final all over one weekend.
The league will showcase 59 matches, providing broadcasters and in-stadia spectators with 177 hours of live "family entertainment", which will also be viewed by a significant international audience.
All matches will be at 4 pm and 8 pm IST to coincide with prime time for television audiences in India.
