IPL 2017: Mumbai, Bangalore To Host IPL Play-Offs, ‘Fab-Five’ Of Indian Cricket To Be Felicitated At The Opening Ceremony
Mar 31, 2017 at 2:00 PM
Contrary to the popular speculation, the IPL Governing Council’s meeting on Thursday (March 30) went ahead smoothly. With the Committee of Administrators (CoA) and the office-bearers involved in a tussle to gain supremacy in having the final say on all the matters, the build up to the tenth edition of the IPL was marred with trouble and controversy But fortunately, everything went well and everyone can now work to ensure another successful season of the IPL.
The CoA has repeatedly said they will take all possible measures to ensure a trouble-free IPL 10 and for the time being they have succeeded in it. The Supreme Court-appointed panel has already agreed to release match funds to state associations before they host their first match.
The meeting was chaired by IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla and CoA head Vinod Rai said he does not have any problem with it.
“I have no issue with anyone chairing the meeting. The Governing Council exists as of now and Shukla is the chairman of the committee. He was also a part of the IPL auction in Bangalore. I am here with a purpose to implement the Lodha reforms and I don’t have any difference of opinion with anyone running the sport. But if anyone comes in between our line of work, I will certainly get into the picture. That is the mandate given to us by the Supreme Court,”” he told The Times of India.
Shukla also echoed Rai’s sentiments before adding that the meeting went well.
“Our job is to ensure that IPL-10 gets maximum success. We have the support of Rai, who is the head of the CoA,” he said.
He also revealed that Mumbai would host the First Qualifier while the Eliminators will take place in Bangalore while Hyderabad will host the final encounter for being the defending champions.
“Mumbai lost out in last year’s IPL Playoff because of the drought issue. That is why Mumbai has been shortlisted for one of the qualifiers,” Shukla said.
Shukla further said that Indian cricket’s ‘Fab Five’ would be honoured at the opening ceremony. However, there was a surprise absentee from the list in the form of India head coach Anil Kumble. With 619 Test wickets, the former leg-spinner is the most successful Indian bowler in the longest format of the game and had played a big role during India’s brilliant performances in Test cricket during the last decade.
“Five legends of Indian cricket – Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Virender Sehwag – will be felicitated during the opening ceremony in Hyderabad on April 5,” Shukla said.