'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The IPL Carnival is back in town with a bang. The event began with a glittering opening ceremony at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The gala event had performances by Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Deepika Padukone and the International Rap sensation Pitbull. As has been the tradition across all the seasons of IPL, the captains of each of the 9 franchises were present at the event to sign the MCC Spirit of the Game commitment. However, this time the signing happened on an electronic touch screen.
Trending
This season of IPL will be the last for the current contingent of players before another fresh open auction happens next year. As per the rules, all the cricketers will be put back in the auction pool; however, there is a likely hood of a retention policy to be put in place before the auction happens. A retention option was given to all the 8 franchises during the open auction in 2011. However, it was widely considered to be unfair as two new franchises were added to the IPL roster. This time, the retention policy should not be an issue as there is no new team slated to enter the IPL anytime soon.
Only two international series are coinciding with this year’s IPL. England will host New Zealand in the latter part of May to kick start their home season, which includes the all important Ashes series. The other series is Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh. So all the teams will be at full strength for the major part of the IPL, barring injuries.
On paper, the favourites to win the league seem to be Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, in T20’s, any thing can happen and surprises have taken place more than once in this format of the game.
The next 60 days are going to full of excitement and enthralling cricket. No matter how many controversies affect the IPL, IPL has always come out strong and created its special place among the fans in India and all over the world.
It’s time to go out, enjoy and support your favourite team because in IPL – India always wins!
Looking for fast live cricket scores? Download CricRocket and get fast score updates, top-notch commentary in-depth match stats & much more! 🚀☄️
