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Action unlimited

The action is back. Returning to its native nation after a successful second year in South Africa, the Indian Premier League will kick of its third edition on March 12 as the defending champions Deccan Chargers take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai in the opening match.

From the year it made its beginning in 2008, the IPL has only been growing bigger and bigger. The event has not only tasted huge success in its home base but captured the world’s imagination attracting top cricket stars from across the world to be part of the two-month untiring action.

The event travelled to South Africa last season after security concerns were raised when the timing of the event clashed with the Lok Sabha elections in India. Though the decision to move it out of the country had evoked mixed reactions, it turned out to be a huge success for which the Proteas would ever be grateful. The country not only became the centre of attraction, but it did a world of good considering the business aspect since it would be hosting the soccer World Cup soon.

This time too undoubtedly the IPL is certain to become a successful event. Accepted that the there were some issues kicked off huge rows since the auction began, but that did little to affect the mega event.

Despite the auction being a low key event, the most interesting moments came when the big hitting Trinidadian Kieron Pollard and Kiwi paceman Shane Bond were bought for unbelievable prices. While Mumbai Indians bought Pollard, Kolkata Knight Riders took Bond for the price cap of $750,000. Even more surprising was the sale of fiery West Indian paceman Kemar Roach, who was bought by Deccan Chargers for a staggering $720,000 and South African allrounder Wayne Parnell, bought for $610,000 by Delhi Daredevils.

The auction did get into trouble after the Pakistan players who were up for sale was completely ignored by the franchises. The aftermath saw a series of Pakistan current and former players criticising the IPL. Considering the fact that Pakistan were the Twenty20 world champions it was certainly tough to digest for them. A huge protest followed from fans in Pakistan who were denied to watch their stars including big names like Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Imran Nazir, Mohammed Aamer, Umar Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Abdul Razzaq, Saeed Ajmal and Rana Naved in action. The issue even took a political turn and threatened to disturb the bilateral ties, but dozed off as time passed. Kolkata Knight Riders owner and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan too invited trouble when he expressed his apologies to Pakistan for ignoring them.

Then came the Ravindra Jadeja’s ban for illegally negotiating a transfer with a rival franchise without informing the IPL or his current team Rajasthan Royals. He was banned for the entire season for this. Though the punishment looked too harsh, it certainly sent a strong message to all the budding cricketers not to involve in such acts for lucrative offers.

But well before the start of the third edition, all these issues have taken the back seat and the focus has completely shifted to some solid cricketing action. With the mega sporting event ready to kick off, the eagerness to watch the top stars in action looks very visible. Let the action begin!

jaiprasad@khaleejtimes.com