Mumbai: The opening ceremony of the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016 will be held today from 7:30 pm at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Worli.
The gala event will witness a host of Bollywood and international stars performing, including Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Katrina Kaif and Yo Yo Honey Singh along with American singer Chris Brown and musical group Major Lazer.
"We will make the IPL opening ceremony interesting this time. From Indian artists and Bollywood starts like Ranveer Singh, Jacqueline Fernandes, Katrina Kaif and Yo Yo Honey Singh will be performing," IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla told reporters here on Tuesday.
Read More: IPL 2016: Teams, squads and complete tournament schedule
"In terms of international stars, American singer Chris Brown and musical group Major Lazer. It will be an interesting opening ceremony which will be held on April 8," Shukla said.
Sri Lankan beauty Jacqueline said that her ‘act focuses on the intensity and the determination of the players’. "I am very excited," she added.
Katrina said that cricket and Bollywood have always been closely associated, and what better way for me to show my support. "Blue eyes" crooner Honey Singh, who was missing from the limelight for 18 months due to his struggle with bipolar disorder and alcoholism, says that with his performance he will showcase to the world how music and sport go hand in hand.
Also the all 8 captains will be present to take the MCC Spirit of Cricket pledge, reaffirming the values in IPL’s commitment to the ‘spirit of cricket’.
“I take this opportunity to wish all the teams and personnel involved the very best for a successful season,” Shukla said.
West Indies cricket star Dwayne Bravo will also perform for the first time on-stage of his famous song ‘Champions’.
The eight teams are: Gujarat Lions, Rising Pune Supergiants, Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions will make their IPL debuts. With 59 matches spread across 10 cities, the cash-rich league will unearth new domestic talents apart from giving some of the tried and tested faces a shot at redemption during the next seven weeks of what is again expected to be a perfect marriage of cricket and entertainment.
The ceremony will be telecast on Sony Max and Sony Six.
