IPL IV begins, spurred by WC success !

This is master timing! The Organisers had timed it right. After six days of rest and here we go for the 4th Edtion of the money spinning IPL. Not only had the Organisers redeemed 50 over cricket, they are redeeming 20 over cricket, as well !

With the one billion, cricket crazy India as the background, Cricket as a 20,000 cr industry is beginning to blossom. It has to, as it has come as a Saviour to India !

The euphoria of the World Cup can only be an impetus to the success of the Fourth Edition of the Indian Premier League. The IPL is world's richest cricket tournament, valued at $.4.13 billion by Brand Finance. It is worth $ 4 billion in franchise fees and TV rights. Some of the big guns of Bollywood and India Inc are amongst the owners of the IPL teams, and almost all the great cricket players of the world play in this mega IPL Cup.

Two new franchises - Kochi and Pune - entered IPL this year after bids worth $ 703 million. Now there will be ten teams and 74 matches, in this fourth edition.

Ony 12 players have been retained by 5 franchisees. Gambhir was the most expensive player and pocketed $2.4 million.