Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has confirmed concern over England's changeable weather was the "overwhelming reason" for today's decision to award South Africa the relocated IPL tournament.

Modi made the announcement at a press conference, flanked by Cricket South Africa chief executive Gerald Majola, in Johannesburg after the pair met today to discuss the possibility of the country hosting the six-week tournament.

Modi had been due to meet the England and Wales Cricket Board tomorrow for similar discussions, but there was already growing speculation that meeting would not go ahead after Modi revealed last night his preference was for the tournament to be played in South Africa.

Modi had revealed then that the fickle English weather was a major concern, and confirmed that in today's press conference.

He said: "I would like to sincerely on behalf of the BCCI and the IPL thank the ECB for their support and offer to host the games. The overwhelming reason we chose South Africa was the weather conditions.

"The weather in the month of April in South Africa is more favourable than it would have been in UK.

"That is the primary reason, keeping all things equal, as both have excellent facilities and a heritage in the game.

"Both were also extremely supportive, but weather played a very important part."

Modi also announced the tournament would be pushed back eight days to begin on April 18 - a day after South Africa's upcoming one-day series with Australia is due to finish.

That will allow South Africa broadcaster Supersport to televise all the matches, ensuring the Indian audience will still have access to the games.

Modi confirmed that was also a key part of today's decision after he announced on Sunday that he was taking the tournament offshore after the Indian Government could not guarantee safety for the six-week event, which clashes with the staging of their month-long elections.

"I would especially like to thank Supersport who are dedicating 12 hours each day when IPL programme begins," Modi added.

"We have a lot of hard work before the first match starts on April 18, but with CSA's help we will deliver a world-class event.

"There will be a lot of people disappointed that the tournament will not take place in India, but being in South Africa it will allow fans to watch games live on TV screens in India.

"With this deal we have ensured that the game will be on at 4pm and 8pm in India."

Majola thanked Modi for granting them the hosting duties.

"CSA is delighted to accept the invitation to host the 2009 Indian Premier League," he said.

"It is a great compliment to CSA that we will be able to host one of the world's top sporting events.

"This event will further strength our ties with India, which has always been close with South Africa.

"We looking forward to hosting the word's best cricketers and we can assure we will provide them with the best facilities."