Showing posts with label IPL. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IPL. Show all posts
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
IPL 2010 starts with a bang!
As the sun went down on Mumbai city, the stars came out in full force. 645 IST was when the much anticipated IPL 2010 season dawned with the promise of unparalleled cricket and entertainment for millions of cricketing fans the world over. The DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai was the centre of all eyes hours, even days, before the grand opening ceremony kicked off. The spectacular surroundings – stands, lights and amenities – all adding to the excitement. And finally, after the nervous countdown, it was time!Ravi Shastri, the emcee of the evening, delivered the welcome address to the audience, inviting Shashank Manohar, the President of the BCCI, to say a few words. Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi was introduced as the spectators roared in unison.
Shastri invited the captains of the eight teams to sign the MCC Spirit of Cricket board – a gesture symbolising the sentiment that cricket should be played within its spirit with respect for opponents, teams and umpires. As the eight captains signed the MCC Spirit of Cricket board, it was time for a special announcement.
IPL goes green this year with a pioneering tie-up with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Shastri urged the crowd to make a difference by doing simple things like recycling and reusing materials. Sachin Tendulkar was named the UNEP Goodwill Ambassador. Right through the series, Sachin will offer “green tips” that citizens should follow to show their responsibility towards the environment. The eight captains went on to sign a globe made up of recyclable material in keeping with the credo: “The earth is our home and together we must protect our forests, wildlife and oceans.”
It was then time for the opening address of IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi. Clearly thrilled, he said: “I cannot tell you how wonderful it is to be back home for the 2010 DLF IPL Season 3. We were always with you in sprit heart and soul. This season will be more exciting and entertaining for viewers all over the globe … I declare the games open. Have a good time!”
Internationally renowned reggae star Ali Campbell of UB40 kicked off the fun part of the evening with a wonderful rendition of the all-time hit song “Can’t Help Falling in Love” supported by a troupe of dancers in colorful costumes.
Bjorn Again perked things up with ABBA’s timeless hit “Dancing Queen” accompanied by dancers in retro costumes. Towards the end of Bjorn Again’s performance, 240 performers wearing luminescent costumes moved towards centre-stage creating the chakra of the national flag with its 24 spokes to symbolise IPL’s return home.
It was then time for a percussionist to mesmerise the audience with his beats while the centre-stage transformed itself – a dozen inflatable screens rose to reveal shadow performers present a synchronised dance. As the shadow artistes perform, the eight teams’ flags were revealed dramatically through wind machines. Spectators were treated to a brief video collage titled “Journey of IPL” based on the league’s glorious three-year climb to the top of the list of the world’s hottest sporting leagues.
The nation’s current heart-throb, actress Deepika Padukone, dazzled the audience with a medley of dances to tunes from her hottest films. Dressed strikingly in red and silver, she twisted to the popular songs as they crowds cheered on.
The familiar strains of the Oscar and Grammy winning ‘Jai Ho’ then filled the air as a breathtaking laser show was put up for fans.
Hula Hoop juggling artists soon took over, creating the logos of the eight IPL teams using LED glow sticks. As the ceremony moved to its final part, the music grew more urgent and suspenseful and the laser and special effect show reached a crescendo. It was time for the grand finale – an act even Sachin Tendulkar was waiting for.
Pop legend Lionel Richie performed his hit single “Dancing on the Ceiling” with the energy, verve and joy that has characterised his exceptional career through the years. The ceremony ended with a spectacular display of fireworks, heralding the start of DLF Indian Premier League 2010.
The games have begun! Welcome to IPL 2010.
IPL 2010: Curtain Raiser
It's time to buckle up, get into the jersey of your favourite team and into the IPL spirit.There’s a spring in the step of the nation while the world looks towards India with an unbridled interest. Conversations in local trains and suburban malls, conference rooms and pubs, college corridors and public parks all gravitate towards the inevitable question – who’ll win the IPL this year? IPL returns home to an unprecedented welcome after a brief South African sojourn. And players are as happy as fans to be back to their rightful home.
The IPL seemed to have travelled instantly from the living rooms to the hearts of the Indian public in its opening season itself. Right from Brendon McCullum’s sensational 153* in the first match of the first ever IPL, the world knew history was being created. Neither has McCullum’s record, nor the appeal, reach and attraction generated by the league been bettered. When the Deccan Chargers launched a spirited and successful quest for the trophy in 2009, South Africa became a home away from home for the franchises and fans. With games back in India this season, it’s time to offer something really special to spectators – and whether it is the stadium experience, television or online coverage, spectators are in for an unparalleled experience.
But at the heart of all the action, as always, is the impeccable standard of cricketing talent on display. Each day of the tournament promises a high quality face-off. So we’re treated to Sachin Tendulkar returning to haunt Shane Warne while the fearless Kieron Pollard meets his match in the lightening quick Kemar Roach. Sehwag prepares to charge Shaun Tait while Zaheer Khan looks to test the unflappable Dhoni. With 14 games per side – seven at home and seven away – the opportunities are immense. With Dharamsala, Ahmedabad and Cuttack offering their venues to the league for the first time, more spectators can join the party and enjoy games up close and live.
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