All set to thrill

IPL frenzy

While the IPL is always a looked forward to event, this edition is even more special because the T20 format of cricket is completing a decade of existence. The skeptics have been silenced as the fan base has grown bigger and stronger  while the entertainment and fun has doubled.
   
Bengaluru’s inaugural match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Delhi Daredevils at the Chinnsawamy Stadium is only a few hours away and fans say they can’t wait to catch all the action live.
   
Shabareesh R, a professional, says that the T20 format has given a distinct edge to the game of cricket. “IPL has played a vital role in popularising this format over the last 10 seasons. It has also managed to turn some cricket purists into avid followers of T20 games,” he says.
   
He points out that the excitement attached to IPL starts right from the time of player auctions. “The event  has also brought many new talents to the international arena. Since I am mostly interested in the Indian team, I will be watching how the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal, Kedar Jadhav, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair fare this season,” says Shabareesh, who is all set to watch the match live.
   
IPL is undoubtedly a heady mix of sports and entertainment. Mohammed Akram, a finance analyst, says that there’s an inexplicable joy in watching domestic and International players battling it out together. “During IPL, I am glued to the television. I am a die-hard fan of RCB and I go to the stadium to watch AB de Villiers, Virat Kolhi and Chris Gayle live in action,” says Akram. But the exorbitant  ticket prices are a put off, he adds.
    
“It is not possible to regularly go to stadium because of the steep ticket pricing. Reasonably priced tickets are not available online and it is not feasible for working professionals to stand in queue to buy tickets,” says Akram. Endorsing Akram’s views is Suhas, a student, who also feels that the tickets are overpriced.
       
“How can you expect a student to pay Rs 2,000 for a ticket? The ordinary people, who are the real fans, are eager to go to the stadium but can’t afford to buy tickets. This is unfair.”
   
But the high ticket rates don’t matter to those who see IPL as an opportunity to see their favourite cricket stars up close and soak in all the entertainment and energy. Chetan Anand, another die-hard RCB fan, adds, “Many things have changed over the years but the spirit and energy of the game is intact. It is always thrilling to watch the matches either on television or live. I am planning to go and watch it live with my friends.” Chetan also scrutinises the mix of players in each team. “Every year, there are many new faces and this time I am looking forward to watching Rishabh Pant and Yuvraj play. These two men always spring surprises,” adds Chetan.