2009 INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE BETTING TIPS

The news is swirling and India is reeling following the announcement that security concerns have forced the 2009 Indian Premier League outside of India. The relocation has shaken the league to its very foundation with the Indian government unable to guarantee security during the National Elections. The IPL heads have begun negotiations with both England and South Africa as the possible venues for the tournament. It had looked like England would be the preferred destination, but now it looks like weather will be the chief motivating factor in moving the event to South Africa. However, inaccessibility and an antiquated media system could throw a late monkey wrench into their plans. In terms of betting on the 2009 Indian Premier League, the competition is looking fierce up at the top and from what I can see six out of the eight teams have a very solid chance of securing victory in the six-week competition. Last year's Champions, Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals are currently listed at 13/2 to secure back-to-back Indian Premier League titles. Their foes in the final, Chennai Super Kings are listed as the outright favourites to secure the championship with odds of 4/1 at Blue Square. Andrew Flintoff is expected to be fit and will thoroughly relish the opportunity to play in English conditions should the tournament be set to go ahead on British soil. Kings XI Punjab, who will have England's outstanding young batsmen Ravi Bopara in the lineup are also strong contenders listed alongside the Delhi Darevils at 5/1. Darevils have both Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah in the line-up as well. The real value bet is the outsiders- Bangalore Royal Challengers who are set to be captained by Kevin Pietersen. They boast odds of 9/1 outright to secure a victory and if KP can get the job done with the bat and maybe bowl a few of those off-breaks, you might see their odds plummet after two solid victories to open the season. They look to have a favourable schedule and could see themselves drop to 9/2 quickly after a few good results.