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IPL 2023: Return of fans in full capacity in stadium reinvigorates biggest cricket carnival

By Abhinav Chaturvedi

Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, India - the world's largest stadium in terms of seating capacity (1,32,000), hosted a real Gala Opening Ceremony and the first game of IPL 2023 in front of a sold-out audience. And goes without saying that it was an awesome sight for the biggest cricket league in the world.

It was a sheer delight to see the fans in full swing and in cheering mode post-COVID-19 scenario, providing the league a breath of fresh and free air. An absolute gift for the spectators and fans to witness an on-ground experience of this great cricketing extravaganza.

ms-dhoni-ipl-2023-opening-ceremony

Cricket and Bollywood are the two most-watched, crowd-pulling and entertaining factors in India. And if it comes in a combo pack, what more can you ask for? The Indian Premier League has always been synonymous with that lethal "entertainment ka tadka".

Popular actors and sports anchor Mandira Bedi introduced the 'voice of India' Arijit Singh, who in his traditional attire, sang his heart out to an enormous audience and in his own words said, "I have never performed in front of such a big crowd".

His mellifluous musical artistry took everyone into a trance. His humbleness, being a very good human was clearly visible when he touched the feet of the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who in turn gave him a warm embrace.

From the musical trance, it was then time for dance, and it was the sizzling and shimmering-attired superstar of the South Indian Cinema Tamannah Bhatia, who set the dance floor ablaze with her super moves; getting the crowd too on their feet.

Then it was time for 'the Crush of the Nation' Rashmika Mandhana of 'Pushpa' fame to elegantly perform and conclude a perfect one-hour opener to a two-month-long cricketing fiesta in India. The IPL Season 16 with both home and away matches for all the teams getting a chance to host each other.

The atmosphere at this magnificent stadium was simply euphoric and exciting. It was a perfect stage to flag off the biggest cricket league in the world with 10 teams, who are in the race to lift the coveted trophy. It was brought to the stage by the captain of the reigning champions: Hardik Pandya of Gujarat Titans.

What was more than a delight was when MS Dhoni was invited to the stage, with the entire stadium screaming their heart and lungs out: 'Dhoni... Dhoni... Dhoni!' And the former Indian captain, also the 'Thala' of the popular Chennai Super Kings, looked as cool as ever.

The abovementioned big names of Indian cricket were also at the venue with their respective teams for the opening match of the season. However, with the division of 10 franchises into two groups (five teams in each group) and a few new sets of rules -- particularly the Impact Player -- was the talk of the night.

Also, the no- and wide-ball reviews, and penalty of five runs for wicket keeper's or fielder's unfair movement -- introduced after a successful test in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy earlier this year -- have been introduced to the league.

Will they bring about any significant changes to the T20 format is something that will unfold as the league progresses. TATA IPL 2023 - Season 16 may belong to any of the 10 teams. Who knows which team will finally make it to the playoffs and who would lift the trophy? Any guesses? At least I do not have one.

The writer is a former Ranji cricketer, a Bollywood actor, and a passionate cricket follower. He has done Theatre, Radio, Television Serials, Movies, Television News, Print, and Academics at Media Schools and now the Internet. He is popularly known for his character 'Nanhe' of Hum Log, India's first TV serial and Buniyaad directed by Ramesh Sippy of Sholay fame. He also led Delhi under 19 team for the CK Nayudu Trophy in 1982 and was chosen as a probable for India Under 19 team for West Indies.

Story first published: Monday, April 3, 2023, 18:08 [IST]
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