6 days to go…

Yes, 6 days to go for the start of one of India’s most publicised event, Indian Premier League. It will definitely be a month of high speed, energetic, festival for the cricket fans in India starting 18^th April 2009.

 

Indian Premier League with its inaugural session in 2008 is based on the Twenty-twenty format of the game. Eight city based teams with Indian and international players will participate in the tournament. These teams being owned by celebrity billionaires of the country including a few bollywood stars add to the glamour of the game.

 

The first season getting a push from the T20 world cup victory was successful in building on the craze. But this year it did not had a pleasant ride even before the start. Clash in its schedule with the Indian General Elections, forced Mr. Modi shift it out of the country to South Africa. This would definitely decrease the on field craze but should not affect the overall enthusiasm. Millions of television viewers would still enjoy the game with the same level of passion. After all, the continuation of our democratic process should always be given more priority.

 

A legal tussle between SET MAX and BCCI also made the news. Finally going for an out of court settlement, SET MAX would remain the official broadcaster of the tournament. Another controversy came into picture for the captaincy of Kolkata night riders. I just hope this is not another plan to bid Saurav adieu.

 

I believe the teams of IPL should not have been given the name of the city. It should have been a general name with a home ground from any one city. As all teams have players from all across the world and not only from that city, it doesn’t make sense dividing the teams on this basis. I being from Delhi would definitely have a bend towards Delhi Daredevils even if it is not the best team. Then why divide on the basis of region when we are already facing problems with increasing regionalism in the country. But there may be another view to it. By associating a region with a team we will always have good number of supporters even for the worst performing teams.

 

Kolkata night riders have come up with a cheer leader hunt show on television, hence trying to promote the cheer leaders concept further. The concept of cheer leaders had not been welcomed in the first season creating a lot of news for their western outfits. In my opinion, if we have divided the teams on regional basis, we should also have these cheer leaders promote the culture of that region. Dressed in their regional outfits and displaying their own dance of celebration would make people more aware of the country.

 

Making the news in the last few days with all the above reasons lets hope to see a power packed play which promotes Indian cricket further and helps in discovering new talent.