On 18th April 2008, A nation of a billion people watched a great sporting spectacle called IPL begin with Lalit Modi, the opening ceremony was spectacular to say the least, it was miles ahead of any opening ceremony at the Cricket world cups .Friday's event went smoothly. But there were Indian rock bands, smoke machines, stilt-walking butterflies, ballet dancers in clear plastic cocoons, trapeze artists, a laser-light show and a fireworks display. And, of course, cricket and a lot of it !!!!.
- 180 players
- 8 teams
- 59 matches
India is home to a billion people and they are wealthier now than ever before. It is a window for the world to see what a vibrant place Modern India is!!, If it succeeds, the newly-formed Indian Premier League (IPL) will place cricket in India, firmly at the centre of a multi million dollar business.
For any cricket fanatic like me, it is important to see the game evolve. I want to see cricket spread to more countries. I want cricket to entertain not only the purist but the average person who wants entertainment and not a dead match which may or may not produce a result in five long days. Because when you want to take the game to newer destination you wont get the purist to watch .
"A very small crowd here today. I can count the people on one hand. Can't be more than 30"- Michael Abrahamson, SABC, during a Five day Test Match.
Spreading the game apart this has a vast potential in improving talent and bringing more youngsters into cricket due to the monetary benefits, It has the potential to bring back the youngsters of west Indies from NBA to cricket, England from soccer to cricket. India may be a nation of cricket lovers, but it has no real tradition of franchise cricket. That local team spirit will have to be built from scratch over the weeks ahead. There are critics for this latest version of cricket, calling it just another bollywood movie with a little bit cricket.
"A critic is a legless man who teaches running"- Channing Pollock
what is wrong with it ?, What is wrong in giving what the people want, the Indian people love their movies and cricket. Most logical business models in India will have some place for bollywood. If you want to do business in India you better have a cricketer or a bollywood star to promote it.
Apart from entertainment it gives cricketers a place to showcase their skills. It gives a platform for young Indian talent to grow. Each team should have 4 under 22 players and only 4 foreign players, rules such as these are welcome.
"We believe that cricket will increase in value and the Indian premier league will accelerate that process," says Raman Former India player.
T20 format will definitely increase the number of shots played and hence set the benchmark for player performance. Bigger the reputation the harder the pressure will be, Some great names are here and they will be itching to prove a thing are too against their contemporary greats.
IPL is here to stay. Will we reach the heights of football? We'd certainly like to not only reach there, but probably better it....
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