IPL Launches tonight
Filed Under: Sport
Cricket’s much lauded and oft controversial Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off tonight in India’s technological capital of Bangalore. The World’s first major 20/20 Cricket league will run for 6 weeks, with the final being held in Mumbai on June 1st. A host of the games top stars (excluding English players) are being paid mega-bucks (for Cricketers) to star for the 8 Teams.
Mumbai Indians - Tendulkar (c), Jayasuriya, Malinga
Bangalore Royal Challengers - Dravid (c), Kallis, Kumble
Hyderabad Deccan Chargers - Laxman (c), Symonds, Gilchrist, Afridi, Gibbs
Chennai Super Kings - Dhoni(c), Murali, Oram, Hayden, Hussey
Delhi DareDevils - Sehwag(c), McGrath, Vettori
Kings XI Punjab - Y Singh (c), Sangakkara, Lee
Kolkata Knight Riders - Ganguly(c), Ponting, Shoaib
Rajasthan Royals - Warne (c)
The 8 franchises which at auction, raised over $USD 723m has attracted a wealth of international sponsors and TV rights revenue as it seeks to firmly establish 20/20 as the centrepiece of cricket’s crown.
The global TV rights alone were sold for $USD 1,026 over 10 years. Furthermore Honda are investing $22.5m, Pepsico $12.5 & Kingfisher Airways $26.5. Another $50m is expected to be raised via online revenue portals.
We look forward to an exciting 6 weeks of cricket, starting with Bangalore vs Kolkata tonight!
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Paul | Apr 18, 2008 | Reply
So why is this whole thing controversial?
King | Apr 19, 2008 | Reply
all the cash , pulling people out of their league teams etc