Lalit Modi plans to bring Twenty20 to USA

Lalit Modi, the IPL chairman, has confirmed plans to stage tournaments outside India, and is keen on staging events in the US.

The second season of the IPL, in 2009, was forced to move from India to South Africa because of security concerns but the success of the tournament has persuaded League chiefs to explore other opportunities.

"There are plans in the works to hold IPL matches overseas and we hope to be able to provide fans all around the world with the live IPL cricketing carnival experience," said Modi. "We are looking at a shorter version of the league post the IPL seasons, which will help us take the game to the fans across the globe. Initially we are looking at markets which have large Indian and cricket loving populations such as USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangkok, Middle East, Canada and others."

"We will also host a few matches in the US in the next 18 months or so. My team have started examining venues and dates which may be available for this in the summer months. The duration for all these tournaments will be short and compact.

"Along with these markets, South Africa will undoubtedly be high on our priority list after seeing the astounding response we received during IPL season 2009. The remarkable success achieved there will obviously see us want to go back there soon."