According to the IPL 2012 schedule, the fifth edition of lucrative Indian Premier League will start with the opening ceremony at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on April 3, a day before the opening game.
IPL Schedule 2012
Whereas, IPL 5 match action will kick-start with mouth-watering clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians at the former’s den on April 4, 2012.
IPL match schedule has returned to its inaugural format, which saw teams playing each other on home and away basis.
The nine teams in the fray will play 16 league matches each (eight matches at home and eight away) as per the new IPL schedule. The total tally of games in the IPL 2012 has increased to 76 from 74 in last year.
The playoff stage of the latest IPL schedule will begin on May 22 and conclude with the final match on May 27.
The playoff stage will have three matches before the final. The first two teams in the points table will lock horns in the first Qualifier on May 22 while the third and fourth placed teams will clash in the Eliminator on May 23.
The second Qualifier will be played between the winner of Eliminator and the loser of the first Qualifier on May 25.
In accordance to the new IPL rules, teams participating in IPL 2012 can have up to 33 players per squad from the existing number of 30. Now the IPL team can also have 11 foreign players in their squad instead of 10 in the IPL 2011 edition.
Bollywood stars set to enthrall IPL 5 opening ceremony
Glitz, glamour and game. The opening ceremony of the IPL 5 will see a lot of fireworks in Chennai on Tuesday – from American pop icon Katy Perry‘s performance to Indian dancing sensation Prabhu Deva‘s act to Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan‘s poetry recitation.
If that is not enough, Bollywood stars Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and music band Colonial Cousins are geared up to set the stage afire.
“There will be good things, lots of entertainment and cricket. It’s the first time that such a large-scale, separate concert is being organised for the IPL, so big things have been planned,” Wizcraft Entertainment director Sabbas Joseph said.
The performer line-up is impressive.
“Amitabh Bachchan will be opening the night. He will render a poem written by Prasoon Joshi. And Salman Khan will give the show a fitting finale…all performers will bring something unique to the show,” said Joseph.
Joshi says it was challenging to pen the verse.
“The challenge before me was to write in verse about the spirit of cricket. The poetry captures this spirit and makes a commitment that whatever one may do in life, one would always want to be connected to the game of cricket,” he said.
A huge highlight of the ceremony, to be held at the YMCA Grounds in Chennai, is pop icon Katy Perry.
The singer, who tied the knot with now estranged husband Russell Brand, in India in 2010, returns to the country to give her maiden performance at the ceremony. She is set to enthrall the audience with her hits like “Fireworks” and “California Gurls”.
“Katy will add a different flavour to the event. She is coming down April 2, but leaving almost in a jiffy after her performance,” said Joseph.
Another highlight will be Big B – he returns to work after two abdominal surgeries earlier this year. The 69-year-old veteran has been home ever since his treatment, and looks forward to step out for the event.
Contrary to recent media reports, Big B is unlikely to dance, clarifies Joseph.
A rare sight would be dancing sensation Prabhu Deva on stage. Other attractions include performances by Bollywood beauties Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor, whose performances have been choreographed by Shiamak Davar and his team.
Stepping up the fervour will be music maestros Colonial Cousins, who will team up with international percussionist and composer DJ Ravi Drums and a group of talented percussionists known as First Project and local percussionists, d’Frens.
“Whether it is international tracks, the ‘Dhinka chika‘, southern tracks or the dances…the combination from across the country is aimed at entertainment and entertainment,” said Joseph, who says the performers have been chosen on the basis of their profile and passion for cricket.
The fifth edition of IPL will be held during April 4-May 27. With nine teams and 76 games across 12 locations, it promises to be a treat for cricket fans.
The captains of the nine participating teams will also be present at the opening ceremony, where they will take a pledge.
The tickets for the star-studded opening night are priced at Rs.1,500. And, needless to say, the organisers are expecting a “full house”.
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Film stars are to show their big dancing talents today at the glam and glitter inauguration ceremony of the 5th edition of India Premier League (IPL5) Cricket Tournament today.
The function is going to be held at YMCA College of Physical Education Grounds, Nandanam. A huge number of cricket fans, cricket players from the 9 playing teams, team owners and celebrities will be present today at the venue.
Katy Perry, the international Rock and Pop star has also come to Chennai to entertain the Chennai audience.
Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra and music band Colonial Cousins are performing in the inaugural ceremony. Prabhu Deva is also to perform with his dance steps for some of his hit songs.
M A Chidambaram stadium will be the venue for the first match that is played on April 04, 2012 between defending champion Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.