"All we know so far is that we're just one of the options. I must say from my side, I'm not that optimistic. The real reason I say so is the timing. I've worked with the Indians for eight years now," he told Talk Radio 702 on Monday.

"A decision has to be taken shortly. So I suspect they would be speaking to maybe their preferred choice and I think South Africa is just a standby to whoever their choice is.

"All that's happened so far is that we've received an invitation, an approach in fact, from the BCCI to be a possible option. From my gathering so far, nothing has happened since then. ... they are supposed to come back to us today ... hopefully they will get back at some point," Majola said.

Meanwhile, England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive David Collier was flying from the West Indies, where England are playing, to London to hold talks with IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi and other Indian officials.

There are a lot of logistical issues to be sorted out as the 59-match tournament, scheduled from April 10 to May 24, would clash with the start of the county season and the beginning of the West Indies' tour of England.

Another stumbling block could be the ECB's 300 million pound broadcast deal with Sky which guarantees the broadcaster exclusive rights to live cricket in England. The IPL is screened by Setanta.

"We have opened discussions with the BCCI and I think there is a strong desire to come to England," said Collier.

"We have opened discussions with Sky and clearly that is one of the things on the agenda. We realise this is an unusual set of circumstances and we expect to have a meeting with the BCCI in the coming week and a decision has to be made soon."