10th edition of IPL to host 8 Opening Ceremonies
Indian Premier League (IPL) world's largest franchise T20 tournament is all set to begin on April 5. This year IPL is marking its 10 years of success and with this there are already celebrations all across the country. The tournament will host its fixtures in 8 different Indian cities, with Raipur making a debut this year. As per the practice IPL opening ceremony is held in the host city of the last season IPL winner. However, this year there is a change in the practice of BCCI. With staff of Hyderabad stadium HCA going on an indefinite strike since 1st week of March, Raipur will host all the matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) including the IPL opening ceremony as SRH were the winner of VIVO IPL 2016 season 9. However, the committee led by Rajiv Shukla decided to give the thrilling experience of this enormous opening ceremony to audiences all across these 8 Indian cities. Yes!! IPL will host 8 opening ceremonies in all the home venues. The zeal that exists for almost two months starts with the grand opening ceremony involving Bollywood and Hollywood celebrities performing.
"It would be unfair to say it was my idea. All the members sat together and decided to have separate opening ceremonies across all the host cities to give the fans an opportunity to witness the opening of the 10th edition of the IPL live." - quoted Rajiv Shukla.
"The various segments of the ceremony will be on our culture, the culture and the tradition of the host cities as also highlighting the high points from the last nine editions of the tournament. We will also have performances from Bollywood stars, spirit of cricket signing etc," - quoted Rajiv Shukla.
Last year's season 9 of IPL was surrounded with a whole lot of controversies. Speculations were around that IPL had lost its charm and sparse crowd in the stadiums were also hitting the headlines. However, IPL chairman had all different set of views and opinions. "We had around 396 million in viewership in India alone in the 9th edition, leaving the rest of the world aside. The viewership was around 190 million in season 8, so it is a clear success story," quoted the IPL chairman.
Looking back at IPL 2016, Rajiv Shukla appreciated the way Kohli took over the tournament. Virat Kohli scored 950 runs, the highest of the tournament. He also praised the performance of youngsters like Yuzvendra Chahal, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben cutting and Adam Zampa. A member of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association himself, Shukla was delighted that Kanpur hosted its first ever IPL match last season.
"Virat was just phenomenal. Last year's tournament will stay in the hearts of fans due to him. In fact, there were youngsters as well like Mustafizur, Chahal, Ben cutting and Adam Zampa who impress all with their talents," quoted Shukla.
"The IPL came to Uttar Pradesh for the first time when Kanpur hosted Gujarat Lions. They did a great job. It isn't easy but they were up for the challenge. I wish to make the tournament bigger and better this season," - quoted Rajiv Shukla.
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