IPL ready to roll in Mumbai
It will be a hot, sizzling and mouth-watering official opening of the multibillion-dollar DLF Indian Premier League, wich will start on Friday.
The signing of a star-studded line-up has made certain of this and India's commercial hub is abuzz before the eight-team tournament, which will have 60 matches crammed into 45 days of non-stop action.
Lionel Richie, Akon and a host of other international performing artists have flown into Mumbai this week for early rehearsals for the opening ceremony of the third edition of the IPL.
“Its going to be a sizzler of an evening,” said Lalit Modi, commissioner of the IPL.
“India was starved of the IPL for a year and we are feeling the heat as the fans are demanding the best from us after we had to stage the event in South Africa in 2009.
“Tickets are virtually sold for the opening day. There will be an array of international performing stars plus many other attractions – some of which will surprise the millions watching around the world. Im overwhelmed with the local support.”
While all is in place for a sizzling opening, the cricket heroes from around the world began assembling here since early this week, with others arriving here at the weekend after completing their international and domestic commitments around the world.
This year there will be 60 games in total – one extra game was fitted into the programme as there will be a third place play-off for the losing semi-finalists – and there will be non-stop action for 45 days which will be televised worldwide.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh have axed experienced batsman Mohammad Ashraful for a two-Test series against England following his inconsistent form.
The 25-year-old former captain, with 2 256 runs in 53 Tests, has not scored a half-century in his last 12 Test innings. He also skipped a recent one-day series against the tourists.
Ashraful failed to make the most of his last chance to impress the selectors, making only one and 30 in the warm-up game against the tourists in Chittagong.
“He did not play well in the national league and also in the practice match against England,” said Bangladeshs chief selector Rafiqul Alam.
via News – IOL Sport: IPL ready to roll in Mumbai.
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