IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla confirms 8 Opening Ceremonies for IPL 2017

The 10th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is around the corner and the build up to the tournament is huge already. Adding a new flavor to it, the IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla recently confirmed that there would be 8 opening ceremonies in each of the host cities in IPL 2017. The ceremonies will take place at the 8 home venues of the participating franchises.

As per the quotes in News18, Rajeev Shukla noted that it was an unanimous decision by the members of the governing council to have multiple opening ceremonies. This will help the fans get a flavor of the traditions of the various cities and serve a unique experience for them.

“It would be unfair to say it was my idea. All the members sat together and decided to have separate opening ceremonies across all the host cities to give the fans an opportunity to witness the opening of the 10th edition of the IPL live,” he quoted.

“The various segments of the ceremony will be on our culture, the culture and the tradition of the host cities as also highlighting the high points from the last nine editions of the tournament. We will also have performances from Bollywood stars, spirit of cricket signing etc,” added Rajeev Shukla.

Last year, there were a lot of controversies surrounding the IPL. There were instances of sparse crowds in the stadiums as well. Many noted that the tournament had lost the charm. However, the chairman of the IPL differed from this opinion and hopes the IPL 2017 will only get bigger and better.

“We had around 396 million in viewership in India alone in the 9th edition, leaving the rest of the world aside. The viewership was around 190 million in season 8, so it is a clear success story,” quoted the IPL Chairman.

Reflecting back at the IPL 2016, Rajeev Shukla commended the way Virat Kohli made the tournament his own. Kohli was the leading run getter of the tournament with over 950 runs to his name. He also lauded the efforts of youngsters like Yuzvendra Chahal, Mustafizur Rahman, Ben Cutting and Adam Zampa. Shukla, who is also at the helm of Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA), was happy at the fact that Kanpur hosted its first ever IPL match last season.

“Virat was just phenomenal. Last year’s tournament will stay in the hearts of  the fans due to him. In fact, there were youngsters as well like Mustafizur, Chahal, Ben Cutting, and Adam Zampa who impressed all with their talents,” quoted Shukla.

“The IPL came to Uttar Pradesh for the first time when Kanpur hosted Gujarat Lions. They did a great job. It isn’t easy, but they were up for the challenge. I wish to make the tournament bigger and better this season,” conceded Shukla hoping to make IPL 2017 better and bigger.