The Twenty20 carnival that is the Indian Premier League (IPL) isn't too far away from entering it's 11th season, and this edition promises to be every bit as engrossing as any other, if not more.
The biggest talking point ahead of the tournament that kicks off on 7 April is the return of two former champions back into its fold. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals, who were suspended for two seasons after some of their key personnel were found guilty of corruption, have had a major impact on the league over the years both in terms of their performances as well as in their fan following, and their return will only boost the league's viewership and attendances.
There would've been many a fan dying to watch Mahendra Singh Dhoni back in the yellow jersey, or Ajinkya Rahane in Rajasthan's blue, the dream of which was realised in the Player Auction that took place on 27 and 28 January.
Among the other developments that have taken place in the build-up to the 11th edition of the league is the outpouring of wealth from investors in terms of the sponsorship and media rights deals that have once again helped the BCCI assert itself as the richest organisation in the cricketing world.
Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo retained the title sponsorship rights for Rs 2,199 crore for the period between 2018 and 2022, an increase by a whopping margin of 554 percent. Broadcaster Star India, on the other hand, beat all competitors at the Media Rights Tender by a fair distance with a mammoth bid of Rs 16,347 crore for the next five seasons, overshadowing the previous deal of Rs 800 crore per season with SPN India.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians, which pipped the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the summit clash of last year's tournament, face comeback side Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, 7 April. The following day will then see Delhi Daredevils host Kings XI Punjab, with Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second game of the double header. A total of 56 matches will be played in the league stage, which will then be followed by two qualifiers and an eliminator (22, 23 and 25 May), followed by the final on 27 May at the Wankhede Stadium.
The biggest talking point ahead of the tournament that kicks off on 7 April is the return of two former champions back into its fold. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals, who were suspended for two seasons after some of their key personnel were found guilty of corruption, have had a major impact on the league over the years both in terms of their performances as well as in their fan following, and their return will only boost the league's viewership and attendances.
There would've been many a fan dying to watch Mahendra Singh Dhoni back in the yellow jersey, or Ajinkya Rahane in Rajasthan's blue, the dream of which was realised in the Player Auction that took place on 27 and 28 January.
Among the other developments that have taken place in the build-up to the 11th edition of the league is the outpouring of wealth from investors in terms of the sponsorship and media rights deals that have once again helped the BCCI assert itself as the richest organisation in the cricketing world.
Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo retained the title sponsorship rights for Rs 2,199 crore for the period between 2018 and 2022, an increase by a whopping margin of 554 percent. Broadcaster Star India, on the other hand, beat all competitors at the Media Rights Tender by a fair distance with a mammoth bid of Rs 16,347 crore for the next five seasons, overshadowing the previous deal of Rs 800 crore per season with SPN India.
Defending champions Mumbai Indians, which pipped the now-defunct Rising Pune Supergiant in the summit clash of last year's tournament, face comeback side Chennai Super Kings in the tournament opener at the Wankhede Stadium on Saturday, 7 April. The following day will then see Delhi Daredevils host Kings XI Punjab, with Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second game of the double header. A total of 56 matches will be played in the league stage, which will then be followed by two qualifiers and an eliminator (22, 23 and 25 May), followed by the final on 27 May at the Wankhede Stadium.
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