IPL CRICKET CARNIVAL

IPL CRICKET CARNIVAL

IPL(Indian Premier League), 20 overs cricket tournament was introduced in 2008.

Players were selected through competitive bids amongst the various franchises. The tournament generated lot of enthusiasm amongst cricket fans as each team had players from many countries. The tournament was a huge success as a commercial venture and had tremendous entertainment value for the fans.  

Eight teams participated in this tournament. The teams were bought by celebrities at huge sums of money running into crores. Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Deccan Chargers, Kings XI Punjab, Delhi Daredevils, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders were the teams that formed the IPL.

In the 2008 edition of the IPL, Rajasthan Royals under Shane Warne won the championship. In 2009, the tournament was conducted in South Africa as the security arrangements for the Parliamentary elections did not permit the conduct of the championship in India. Deccan Chargers under Adam Gilchrist were crowned the champions in this edition. Chennai Super Kings led by M S Dhoni won the third season in 2010.

The fourth season of IPL championship is being held from 08 Apr to 28 May. This edition will witness the arrival of Pune Warriors, Kochi Tuskers Kerala in addition to the original eight franchises.

Some changes have been introduced in the format in this edition to accommodate the new arrivals. In the first three seasons, each of the eight teams clashed with one another, playing against each team twice. The first four teams on the points table qualified for the semi finals.

Since there are 10 teams in this year’s tournament, they have been divided into two groups. Each team in a group will play against one another twice. The teams will also play against the teams of the other group once. However, one team from the other group will have to be played twice. Thus each team will get to play 14 matches. The matches have been scheduled by draw of lots. The top four teams on the points table will advance to the next round. The first & the second placed teams will clash for a place in the finals. The team losing this match will face the winner of the match between the third & fourth placed teams. The winner of this match will go through to the finals.

Each team could retain four players from those who had played in the previous editions. Thus CSK retained Dhoni, Raina, Murali Vijay & Albie Morkel, while Mumbai Indians chose to retain Sachin, Harbhajan Singh, Pollard & Malinga. Rajasthan Royals has retained Shane Warne & Shane Watson while Sehwag will continue to play for Delhi Daredevils and Viral Kohli’s contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore has been extended. The other players of the team have been selected through an auction.

With major changes in team composition, the tournament this year is expected to dish out a rich fare. The addition of two new teams only adds to the excitement quotient.

Will the stalwarts of the previous editions continue to rule the roost or will there be a new champion this time around ? We can’t wait to find out !