In pics: IPL 9 kicked-off with DJ Bravo's ‘champion’, Bollywood stars and Spirit of Cricket pledge

New Delhi, April 9: A glitzy mix of Bollywood razzmatazz and high-octane performances, including that of West Indian cricketer Dwayne Bravo's smash-hit rap 'Champion dance', marked a glittering opening ceremony which set the ball rolling for the ninth edition of the IPL in Mumbai on Friday.

The two hour and 15 minute long event was less spectacular as compared to the previous editions but the cine stars still managed to put up an entertaining show, enthralling the gathering at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Stadium at the National Sports Club of India in Mumbai.

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Bollywood actors Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif, Jacqueline Fernandez and Punjabi rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh kept the audience glued to their seats during the opening gala attended by the BCCI top brass, franchise team owners, players and support staff of all the eight participating teams.

The crowd at the indoor stadium enjoyed every bit of Bravo's much-anticipated 'champions dance'. In white blazer and black trousers, Bravo, a part of the West Indies World Twenty20 winning team, swayed to his 'Champion dance' as the fellow cricketers and crowd cheered him.

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Actor Ranveer Singh performs during the opening night of the Vivo Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2016, in Mumbai on Friday.(PTI Photo)

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Sanjay Dutt alongwith wife Manyata also graced the event.

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Actress Katrina Kaif performs during the opening night of the Vivo Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2016, in Mumbai on Friday. (PTI Photo)

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Yo Yo Honey Singh performs during the opening night of the Vivo Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2016 in Mumbai on Friday. (PTI photo)

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Crickter DJ Bravo & Amit Tiwari during the opening night of the Vivo Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2016, in Mumbai on Friday. (PTI Photo)

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

Jacqueline Fernandez was the first one from the Bollywood celebs to dazzle the stage. (PTI Photo)

In pics: IPL 9 kicked-off with DJ Bravo's ‘champion’,Bollywood stars and Spirit of Cricket pledge

Actress Katrina Kaif performs during the opening night of the Vivo Indian Premier League ( IPL ) 2016, in Mumbai on Friday.(PTI photo)

IPL 9: Ranveer, Katrina, Jacqueline steal the show

In pics: IPL 9 kicked-off with DJ Bravo's ‘champion',Bollywood stars and Spirit of Cricket pledge.

Bravo also danced to another number 'Chalo Chalo' and was joined on the stage by Bollywood playback singer Ankit Tewari who sang an Indian version of 'Champion' -- 'Hindustan Mein Bade Bade Champion.

Like earlier opening ceremonies, the cricket segment was short and limited to only the oath taking ceremony by the skippers of the eight teams. Indian team Director Ravi Shastri ushered the eight captains to sign the MCC Spirit of Cricket pledge for fair play.

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