The drama began in 2008 when the Board of Control for
Cricket Internationally, I mean, in India (BCCI) decided that they needed something different to showcase their plans for future entertainment. Add
a dollop of ideas stolen from the erstwhile Indian Cricket League (ICL), a
generous flow of money poured in by businessmen and filmstars alike, a splash
of semi-nude cheerleaders and extra-loud DJ’s, and you have the birth of the
Indian Premier League (IPL).
One must admit that the tournament was inaugurated in
unbelievable fashion – courtesy an unbeaten 158 by Brendon McCullum. However,
six seasons and sixty thousand scandals into the proceedings, the event has now become less
about cricket, and more about unadulterated entertainment.