Johannesburg  - Cricket South Africa confirmed Tuesday that it had been named as the host of the 2009 Indian Premier League tournament which was relocated amid concerns over security in India.

The decision was announced after a meeting in Johannesburg between CSA boss, Gerald Majola, and Lalit Modi, chairman of the IPL. England has also been in the running.

"We are very happy to confirm that South Africa will host the 2009 DLF Indian Premier League tournament," Modi said in a statement.

Cape Town (South Africa), Mar. 24 : The Australian cricket team has put its innings and 20 run defeat against South Africa aside, and is now preparing for the opening Twenty20 International against South Africa.

According to The Age, the Proteas will host Australia for Twenty20 matches on Friday in Johannesburg and on Sunday (Monday AEDT) in Pretoria followed by next month''s five one-day internationals.

Cape Town (South Africa), Mar. 24 : Reting West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor has called for the ICC to take the right of video referrals away from players and hand them to the men in white coats.

Brisbane, Mar. 24 (ANI): Queensland Bulls skipper Chris Simpson has defended Australian all rounder and team mate Andrew Symonds, lashing out at suggestions that the latter was out of control at an inner-city bar and restaurant on Sunday night.

Simpson was among those out with Symonds at swish bar Watt in New Farm when they were asked to leave the premises at around 9 p. m.

Newspaper reports suggested that Symonds was "loud" and "boisterous" and had smashed a glass before getting the tap on the shoulder from bar staff.

Cape Town, Mar. 24 : Habitual cricketing "bad boy" Herschelle Gibbs has been asked to perform a form of community service after being charged with driving under the influence of alcohol last year.

He was pulled over in Sea Point in the early hours of March 28 last year.

Gibbs is not entirely off the hook, as evidenced by a statement issued by his lawyer, Peter Whelan, after the court appearance.

Islamabad, Mar 24 : Pakistan's chief selector Abdul Qadir has said that pacer Shoaib Akhtar can return to Pakistan duty if he proves his fitness over the next few days.

He said the selectors have been keeping an eye on Akhtar's performance to decide whether he can be brought back into the team for the one-dayers against Australia.

Qadir pointed out that Shoaib recently gave a good showing in a one-day game, which he said was a good sign.