What is the line-up for the opening ceremony?
The theme is No. 6 because this is IPL's sixth edition. We're planning to organise a roadshow before the opening ceremony in Kolkata. We are trying to rope in Sourav Ganguly, who could lead all the team captains during the roadshow. We're in touch with the state government and hopefully, we'll get permission for the event. There are six elements in the opening ceremony. The first segment will be Indianness, then the cheerleaders, international artists, Bollywood show, captains emphasizing on the spirit of cricket and then the magic of cricket.
Who will be part of the ceremony?
To get the local connect, Rabindra Nath Tagore's song "Where the mind is without fear" will be a part of the event, where around 300 to 400 dancers will perform. The organizers of the ceremony are also inviting superstars from Bengal and Bipasha Basu. Singer Shreya Ghosal is one of the performers. Shah Rukh Khan and other stars will also be performing. We are negotiating with Jennifer Lopez, Usher and Pitbull too.
Is there any endeavour to bring something new to the league?
We want to ensure that the league gets better every year. Probably, after the soccer World Cup, this is the biggest event in the world because 192 countries watch the IPL across the world. In other words, we want to make IPL 6 bigger than IPL 5 in every way.
Will Shah Rukh Khan be allowed in the Wankhede after what transpired last year between him and the Mumbai Cricket Association?
We will try and resolve the issue before the next Mumbai versus KKR match in Wankhede. Shah Rukh is an IPL team owner and you can't keep him away from the ground where his team is playing. He has already said sorry for what had happened. I am confident that both parties will bury the hatchet soon.
How difficult was it to sort out the differences between Sahara Pune Warriors and Maharashtra Cricket Association?
This was another case where the team owners were not willing to play in Pune. But the IPL GC got both the parties together and sorted things out.
Will Pakistan coaches and commentators face any problems?
Politics should be kept away from sport. As far as we are concerned, there won't be any problem.
What is the future of Indo-Pak cricket?
The BCCI shares a good rapport with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Whenever the atmosphere is conducive, we will play cricket with Pakistan.
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