LIP 2010

The third edition of the Indian Premier League is only a few months away and people have already gone crazy. The player auction on January 19 was followed by very interested people on the Internet and television, suggesting that cricket mad India is ready for the third edition.

The first edition was a great success and unfortunately the second edition did not take place in India due to government elections happening at the same time. It was held in South Africa and many thought it would not bring the same amount of success but it proved everyone wrong as the South African public gave the thumbs up and it was a hit too. The third edition returns to India.

The 8 franchisees have started planning well in advance by formulating a team strategy that suits their team. Even the franchises are accepting this new version of the game. They must have had less knowledge about the game during the inaugural season, but they would have known something about the game and their own team.

The player auction for the 2010 edition has just concluded and, as expected, West Indies’ Keiron Pollard was the best buy along with New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond. Thanks to last year’s Champions League in India, Keiron Pollard has just become a millionaire. Most of the teams wanted him to be part of their team and in the end, the Mumbai Indians bought him for a record sum.

Come March and April, the talk of the city in India and around the world would certainly be the Indian Premier League. The players themselves must be very excited to play in front of sellout crowds where that is becoming a rarity even for international games.

Just to remind you that the champions in the first edition were Rajasthan Royals and Hyderabad Deccan Chargers lifted last year’s crown. So who will it be this time? We will have the answer on the night of April 25.

Come and enjoy the cricket carnival!!!