I remember watching the add "manoranjan ka baap kaun hai?"on sony.Two young boys(one of them named Manoranjan) find it hard to answer when people asked them about the identity of their dad.But then came their daddy.....None other than IPL(No these are not initials,Its Indian Premire League).The boys enjoy new found confidence/arrogance and the woman gains back her respect.In the end they click a family picture with a TV set displaying DLF IPL.The add was hilarious!
Coming to the point i must say that IPL has indeed proved itself to be the big daddy of indian television.IT started the rat race of buying teams.From the king of bollywood to the king of good times all started bidding for their bangtails.It was worth watching! Players being sold at prices at par with pre historic antique pieces.IPL is not just about the game...it was about taking cricketing experience to the next level..from cheer girls to "strategic" breaks..it started it all.
This season IPL tied up with YouTube for live streaming and replay of all matches,which was first of its kind.It also introduced broadcasting of matches in theatres(some in 3D,AVATAR effect) this was not enough it also introduced SPIDER CAMS...that would crawl in the field and capture uncommon camera angles(e.g. view from beneath their pants :P)
Recently i went to witness IPL matches at the barbati stadium, Cuttack.I must say it was totally different from a normal ODI match.There was a stage,a Deejay,music,cheer girls(cant help but notice).Everytime a six was shot..firecrackers kissed the sky(and of course the cheer jumped to life :P) the crowd cheered for both the sides.Coz both sides had their favourites ! Thats the magic IPL has.But sometimes people get emotional and become region oriented(sure MNS would love it).
But we cant help it cause in India cricket is not less than a war.It was an experience worth remembering(all those who say "It is always better in TV/YouTube" have`nt actually been through it.
IPL has brought out a revolution in the cricketing world.It has given way to new talent..Got women to the stadiums given them a break from TV soaps.It has added "glamour" to cricket.It has captured hearts worldwide,united different cricketing pundits across the world to play as a team.Juggled indian money across the globe,created more employment options.Hence proved that BCCI is the big daddy in the cricket universe.
Hats off to Lalit Modi !