Last year, IPL was not as effective as it was on its debut. It could be because the venue was S. Africa. Or, may be people did not had that much excitement as it was on the first time. While the viewer-ship increased but the feel of cricket was missing. But this year, its back with a bang. 20% more has been spent in advertising the IPL this year. It has been done in 3 stages: first being with the 8 captains shown excited about being back in India, second being on homecoming theme which is a huge campaign in its own and excepts to sweep whole India in it. Here are the link to the promotional videos:
Stage 1:
Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians):
Sourav Ganguly (Kolkata Knight Riders):
Anil Kumble (Bangalore Royal Challegers):
Gautam Gambhir (Delhi Daredevils):
MS Dhoni (Chennai Super Kings):
Shane Warne (Rajasthan Royals):
Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers):
Kumara Sangakara (Kings XI Punjab):
Stage 2:
This being one of the best ads IPL could come up with... it gives us the feeling of togetherness and unity... much better than "Phir Mile Sur" by zoom...which sucked (according to me)... ;)
Controversies:
- No pakistani Players bought during IPL 3 auction created a big controversy. First, Indian govt. was blamed for negotiating terms with the team owners. But, after govt.'s refusal to admit that SRK and Modi came up with their disappointment. (My view: Shahrukh himself could have bought a player from Pakistan instead of showing his disappointment).
- Shiv Sena warns Australian players and Pakistani players not to come to India over racism against Indians and terrorist attacks respectively.
- Shiv Sena, again as usual, warns SRK not to support Pakistani players but SRK did not backed out from his comments like poor Karan Johar, again creating controversy over MNIK's release.
- AP sport minister has asked Deccan chargers to boycott IPL over shifting of matches from Andhra Pradesh.
So, why would IPL3 be a hit?
OK, here is the answer: Guys, its cricket, then, its in India, then, its T20 (much better than slow ODIs), better advertising as we just saw, then, great players competing against each other and by far the best reason is that we Indians love competing against each other (Think guys, how big a racist country we are amongst ourselves.. we discriminate among each other on everything, so, why not cricket... ipl gives another reason for us Indians to fight.. so why not cash upon it)...
Something is missing:
IPL 2010 will have players from only 3 teams majorly: India, Srilanka and South Africa. People are so much bored of India Srilanka contests and SA players don't interest us too much. This season will surely miss players from Australia, England, West Indies, New Zealand who will miss the first 2 weeks and especially players from Pakistan because of the fierce rivalry between the two nations.
The End
IPL3: There will be a lot money involved, there will be a lot of betting on it, there will be lots of feelings and emotions..... But for us it will just be another way to enjoy and a source of entertainment.....
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Its just the start guys, not the end.... so enjoy... ;)
Post your views as comments please...
