Photos of IPL Night

IPL is not only limited with its cricketing feature. It has been proved two years ago. It has also shown in the opening ceremony of 3rd Indian Premier League. Mumbai promised to be bigger and better than last year. Starting with a scintillating performance by international artiste Ali Campbell of the British reggae band UB40, who croon the all-time hit song, Can’t Help Falling In Love, the ageless Bjorn Again entertained audiences with Abba’s super hit Dancing Queen at the opening ceremony, which promises to be a visual spectacle as well.

A choreographed light show will announce the entry of Deepika Padukone, who promises to pack a punch along with 40 dancers on stage — giving serious competition to Katrina’s hip swaying with Akon last year — who performed to a medley of Gotta Feeling by Black Eyed Peas, Uff Teri Ada from Karthik Calling Karthik and Twist from Love Aaj Kal. Then the legendary Lionel Richie comes on stage, and, of course, R&B rapper Akon.

Says Sundar Raman, CEO, IPL, “The IPL weekend fever begun few days ago. But the real action was taken off on Thursday night in Mumbai. Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner of the Indian Premier League (IPL), hosted a grand party at the Turf Ground in Mumbai.

The party began in the evening around 8 pm. Entry was by invitation only. The guest list included eminent people from Bollywood, socialites, corporate honchos, politicians, bureaucrats and cricketers. But the main attraction of the evening was the performances by the international artistes.”

Sundar elaborates, “Day 1 of the IPL tournament kicked off with an opening ceremony before the match, on Friday evening. It was a visually spectacular show. The opening ceremony began at 6.45 pm at the DY Patil Sports Stadium in Mumbai. After the match concludes, IPL officials and players proceed to a plush city hotel to attend the after-match party-cum-fashion show.”

We also heared that a lot of Delhi celebrities were planning to attend the opening ceremony. Said Delhi socialite Shaleen Jain, “I’m eagerly waiting to be there at the opening ceremony along with my friends to watch all the action live at the Mumbai ground.”