IPL Opening Ceremony to hit India

IPL 3: Official opening of the multibillion-dollar DLF Indian Premier League, wich will start on Friday.

The signing of a star-studded line-up has made certain of this and India's commercial hub is abuzz before the eight-team tournament, which will have 60 matches crammed into 45 days of non-stop action.

Lionel Richie, Akon and a host of other international performing artists have flown into Mumbai this week for early rehearsals for the opening ceremony of the third edition of the IPL.


"It's going to be a sizzler of an evening," said Lalit Modi, commissioner of the IPL.

"Tickets are virtually sold for the opening day. There will be an array of international performing stars plus many other attractions - some of which will surprise the millions watching around the world. I'm overwhelmed with the local support."

While all is in place for a sizzling opening, the cricket heroes from around the world began assembling here since early this week, with others arriving here at the weekend after completing their international and domestic commitments around the world.

This year there will be 60 games in total - one extra game was fitted into the programme as there will be a third place play-off for the losing semi-finalists - and there will be non-stop action for 45 days which will be televised worldwide.

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