Explained: the Indian Premier League
What is the IPL?
The IPL is effectively India’s domestic Twenty20 (20-overs-a-side) cricket competition. Eight teams from across the country will compete against each other in a tournament that runs from April 18 to June 1.
So what’s the fuss about?
Despite being a domestic competition, the IPL has a truly international feel to it. Big bucks changed hands to attract the biggest names in world cricket and the list of players taking part reads like a who’s who of world cricket.
Which teams are involved?
There are eight: Bangalore Royal Challengers, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi DareDevils, Deccan Chargers, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mohali, Mumbai Indians and Rajasthan Royal.
How were players allotted to each team?
A series of auctions were held where teams bid against each other to secure the services of the top players.
Who are the players to watch?
There are too many stars to mention but the likes of Aussie legend Shane Warne, India’s ‘little master’ Sachin Tendulkar and Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan should be among the main crowd-pullers.
Indian wicketkeeper / batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni fetched the highest price at auction when he was bought by Indian Cements, owner of the Chennai franchise, for a whopping $1.5 million. Recently-retired Australian Adam Gilchrist cost $700,000, while Aussie all-rounder Andrew Symonds fetched $1.35 million.
Indian wicketkeeper / batsman Mahendra Singh Dhoni fetched the highest price at auction when he was bought by Indian Cements, owner of the Chennai franchise, for a whopping $1.5 million. Recently-retired Australian Adam Gilchrist cost $700,000, while Aussie all-rounder Andrew Symonds fetched $1.35 million.
Are any English players involved?
Yes, but only one – Dimitri Mascarenhas. The all-rounder is playing for the Rajasthan Royals.
So where are the likes of Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen?
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has refused to release centrally contracted England players to participate in the IPL because of a schedule clash with England’s home matches against New Zealand.
Will England players ever play in the IPL?
Almost certainly yes, according to England Test Match captain Michael Vaughan. England’s schedule clashes with the IPL’s schedule for the next two years but it remains to be seen what happens after that. Some form of agreement between the IPL, the players and the ECB that frees English cricketers up for part of the tournament seems the most likely short-term solution.
