IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla doesn’t like unnecessary controversy surrounding the game. He believes that a property like the IPL is the biggest Indian brand and it’s the duty of the players and the stake-holders to keep it clean.
“The board is clear from the beginning that the integrity of the game can’t be compromised at any cost and every member of the BCCI is committed to the cause. This is the biggest Indian brand and the fact that the people love this sport, the game has to remain clean all the time,” Shukla said.
“Every year, the IPL audience is growing and this goes to show how popular this sport is in India. The board respect the sentiments of the people. This IPL will again set new trends this season and will be more cricket centric. The board has also taken some new initiatives to ensure that more fans are part of this festival,” the IPL chairman said.
To start with, the board has initiated to show the IPL matches live in Agra and Nagpur on the big screen. BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur made it clear that the live matches of the IPL is going beyond the stadium and TV sets. The live matches will be shown in colleges and community centres and grounds to popularise the event further. And the entry to stand will be free on first come first serve basis.
“This will be a mega screen and the fans will enjoy a complete weekend entertainments package consistent of a separate kids’ area and a host of other fund filled activities like face painting, music, food and beverages and cricket centre to develop batting and bowling skills,” Thakur said.
