Spectators to be given placards for IPL 9

In a rather strange yet bizarre development, the spectators will be allowed to act as the ‘third umpire’ in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Reports from various sources suggest that the spectators will be given placards to air their views each time the on-field umpires request the assistance of the third umpire.

The IPL 9 is expected to be a novel one in more ways than one. For the first time, the IPL will be without perhaps two of its most successful teams, the Chennai Super Kings, and the Rajasthan Royals. In addition, two new franchises have been named in their place, the Rising Pune Supergiants, and the Gujarat Lions.

IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla on Wednesday said that in this season of the popular T20 tournament, the viewers too would get a chance to air their views on decisions referred to the third umpire.

“They will be given a placard, and whatever they say, out or not out, that will be caught by the camera and shown on the screen….but the decision of the third umpire will be final,” he added.

“This opinion will not matter to the third umpire, he will go as per whatever he sees on the (TV) screen,” he said, speaking to reporters at a function in Mumbai.

“This will increase the involvement of the viewers,” he said.

“Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, and the singer Yo Yo Honey Singh, among others, would be performing in the IPL opening ceremony on April 8 at Worli in Mumbai,” Shukla said.

“To strengthen (anti-corruption measures) BCCI President has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister to ask if the services of Mumbai police can be availed of; then the anti-corruption unit, ICC anti-corruption unit, Mumbai police can together seek information and act on it,” he added.

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