IPL fever set to grip fans

MUMBAI: The adventure of VIVO Indian Premier League season 10 is finally going to start today. To be telecast on Sony Pictures Network and streamed online on Hotstar (mobile and internet with a 5-minute delay) in the Indian subcontinent, this is the 10th edition of IPL in which eight teams are participating and the cricket fans will be able to see players of different team playing in their respective teams.

Today, at the beginning of the India's most popular sporting event, the opening match will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium in Hyderabad.

The eight captains of the 2017 VIVO IPL got together in Hyderabad for a formal meet and greet with the IPL match officials. They discussed different aspects of the game and the tournament that will be played over the course of the next 47 days. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla joined everyone over teleconference and addressed certain issues and doubts.

Later, all captains pledged their allegiance to the Marylebone Cricket Club's (MCC) Spirit of Cricket campaign by signing the spirit of cricket bat. The skippers, one after another, trooped onto the stage as their names were called by former Indian skipper Ravi Shastri, who conducted this part of the event.

A panel of elite commentators will be behind the microphone in the 2017 edition of the VIVO IPL bringing to life the colour and flavour of the tournament. As many as 20 commentators will be traveling across the country to lend their perspective on the game across 10 different venues. A few additions to the list along with a blend of veterans are bound to give the cricket loving fan a fine view point of the game from the technical and entertainment aspect.

Hand in hand with its breakthrough 10th season, the Indian Premier League is set to re-activate its immensely popular Fan Park initiative for the third consecutive year. As befits the landmark 10th season of the IPL, the latest edition of the Fan Park promises to be bigger and better.

Money generated from TV/media rights sale is divided into two shares. A) IPL share, B) Franchise Share.

A) IPL Share: IPL will get 20% of the media rights money in the first two years of IPL but set to reach 40% by 5th year onwards.

B) Franchise Share: In the two years, 80% of total media rights money will be divided equally among all teams but it will be reduce to 60% by 5th year onwards.

So the biggest source of revenue generation in IPL is “TV media rights sale”. Back in 2008 when Sony signed a record breaking 10 year deal with BCCI for IPL rights they agreed to pay $1.02 billion over the 10-year contract. Sony will be paying 10% of the total agreed amount ($100 million) every year till 2018.

So of $100 million, $60 million is distributed equally among IPL teams every year while $40 million is kept by IPL governing body.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced the fixtures of the League. The schedule has been designed with each team playing 14 matches – 7 of them at home venues.

The season will also witness IPL returning to Indore for the first time since 2011. The final will be played at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium – on Sunday, May 21st, 2017.

VIVO Indian Premier League 2017 fixtures

1st Match - Sun Risers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL T20 2017

Date- 05/04/2017
Time - 20:00(Local)