IPL: We are Disappointed

I was hoping that Lalit Modi & Co. would stitch up a miracle and will ensure that Indian Premier takes place this year. But I was sad when i came to know that the miracle was shifting IPL to another country. I understand that no other solution was possible. But still my heart aches to find out that I can watch my favorite IPL team only on television.

Hmm.. Anyway, Thanks for atleast conducting the event. Hope all the logistics are worked out in two weeks. And everything takes place without any glitch.

Update: Even Flintoff joins CSK Fans in expressing his disappointment over the switch. [Telegraph]

Photo Source: Lancashire Evening Post

Great IPL Drama!!!

With the first ever auction in Cricket, cheerleaders and Businessmen, I thought that no seasons of Indian Premier League could rival the first season viz-a-viz drama. But just the second season of Indian Premier League has proved me wrong. 

First we saw Flintoff and Pietersen becoming the highest paid IPL Players. Then to everybody's surprise we saw Mortaza being snapped up for 0.6 Million USD. The Clubs paid these prices, when there was a Global Economic Crisis all around the world and pink slips are a norm in all the companies. I believed all these drama would be over with the auctions and focus would shift back to Cricket and Economics (Sponshorships)

Sadly, I was wrong. Lahore Happened. And everybody (including our very own Jacob Oram) started raising their concerns about the security. Even before that crisis settled down, Indian Home Minister Chidambaram joined the fray by dropping a bombshell about the security problems for conducting IPL during elections. Add to this, the recent controversy about the television rights of IPL, confusion reigns in the second season of Indian Premier League

Thankfully, Lalit Modi has not given up hope and is now running pillar and post to various offices of Central and State Governments to get the necessary permission for running IPL. My hopes are not lost too. I still believe that the current schedule submitted by Lalit Modi would be accepted by Central Government. 

But the biggest losers in all these drama are the fans like you & me. Delhi and Jaipur may not even play a single match in their home, while chennai super kings would be forced to conduct four of its home matches in an alien state. [News: Cricinfo]. Hopefully, Cricket in Season 2 matches the increased drama of this season and the next season is much more peaceful. 

Modi! Bring the Cricket On!

News Snippets

1. No Surprises in Chennai Super Kings Squad: Unlike last year, there are no surprises in the announced Chennai Super Kings Squad for this year. View the entire Chennai Super Kings Squad for IPL - Season 2
2. 7Up to Hydrate Chennai Super Kings Squad: Pepsi Co has announced 7Up as the official Hydration partner for Chennai Super Kings. PepsiCo will also launch a promotional campaign allowing CSK fans to play with the team and serve as drink-helpers during matches. [News : Indian Television]
3. No Paramilitary forces for IPL: Hardly two days after the IPL Organisers were told to reconsider dates a second time, Home Ministry has said that the concerned states should not expect any help from paramilitary forces during games. This adds further spin to the entire event. Hople Lalit Modi is able to work out a magical formual and ensure that IPL takes place this year. [News Source: Cricinfo]
4. 3 Games to Prove Fitness: According to Daily Mail, Flintoff has to get fit in another 3 matches if he has to be allowed by English Cricket Board to play for Chennai Super Kings this year.  

News Snippets

1. Oram having "Second Thoughts": Following the Lahore Attack on Srilankan Cricket Team, the news agencies started coming up with the reports that Oram was having second thoughts about travelling to India for the Indian Premier League. Read the newsreport here. I am sure this is just another instance of newspapers blowing up casual remarks and I am 100% Certain that Oram would be turning up for IPL this time
2. Murali Joins In: After Oram, even Murali joined in the chorus of having second thoughts about IPL. [Read here] As you can read from the newsreport, it is just another instance of newspapers twisting the comments.
3. TN CM Karunanidhi Joins In: But i got really doubtful when Karunanidhi also joined in the chorus asking for the postponement of the tournament. [News Source: ChennaiOnline] If the most secure metro city in India vis-a-vis terrorism raises doubts w.r.t. security, where can you go?
4. 10 Times More Security: Thankfully, Modi has confirmed that they would be spending 10 times more on Security this year and Chennai would host all the seven matches. [NewsSource: Indian Express]

IPL 2009 - Chennai Super Kings - Fixtures

Date	Vs	Location	Time (IST)
April 18, 2009	Mumbai Indians	Cape Town	4 PM
April 20, 2009	Bangalore Royal Challengers	Port Elizabeth	8 PM
April 23, 2009	Delhi Daredevils	Durban	4 PM
April 25, 2009	Kolkata Knight Riders	Cape Town	4 PM
April 27, 2009	Deccan Chargers	Durban	4 PM
April 30, 2009	Rajasthan Royals	Centurion	8 PM
May 2, 2009	Delhi Daredevils	Johannesburg	8 PM
May 4, 2009	Deccan Chargers	East London	8 PM
May 7, 2009	Kings XI Punjab	Centurion	8 PM
May 9, 2009	Rajasthan Royals	Kimberley	8 PM
May 14, 2009	Bangalore Royal Challengers	Durban	4 PM
May 16, 2009	Mumbai Indians	Port Elizabeth	4 PM
May 18, 2009	Kolkata Knight Riders	Centurion	8 PM
May 20, 2009	Kings XI Punjab	Durban	8 PM
May 22, 2009	Semi-Final 1	Centurion
May 23, 2009	Semi-Final 2	Johannesburg
May 24, 2009	Final	Johannesburg