White Mischief Gals to cheer Pietersen in इप्ल!

"Necklines plunging, hemlines rising, they are all set to let the mercury soar, higher than any of the sixes that come from the blades of Kevin Pietersen." The cheerleaders, the release added, have been "specially trained in flirty acrobatic skills for a scintillating on-field performance." The Mumbai Indians forced their cheerleaders to don pants instead of skirts after protests from political parties. The Royal Challengers, owned by flamboyant liquor and airline tycoon Vijay Mallya, had hired the Washington Redskins cheerleaders for the inaugural IPL season last year in India. So Mallya dropped the Redskins and hired 24 members of the US-based Varsity cheerleader group for the second season, renaming them the "White Mischief Gals”. The use of cheerleading squads last year provoked complaints from some conservative quarters in India.

The White Mischief Gals will travel across South Africa for all Royal Challenger matches during the five-week tournament, offering fans "flirtatious messages and tips," the statement said.Pietersen will only enjoy their support for the first two weeks, as he is due to return to England in early May to prepare for the Test series against the West Indies.Pietersen, bought by the Bangalore Royal Challengers for a record 1.55 million dollars, will clash with good friend Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals on the opening night in Cape Town, South Africa.

IPL Cricket is Back! Must Watch! IPL on Set Max

IPL Viewership Vs Elections Viewership- Wait a Minute... IPL Wins!

The general election may have won the battle, but it looks like the Indian Premier League (IPL) will win the war—for eyeballs. “IPL will be watched by both mass as well as niche audiences. It will be watched by people across the country,” says Emmanuel

Viewership studies by two media buying firms say the Twenty20 cricket league that begins on 18 April, will attract more viewers than the election coverage! The general election begins on 16 April and will be conducted in five phases till 13 May. The counting of votes will happen on 16 May, the day when election coverage peaks on news channels.

The final of IPL is to be played on 24 May in Johannesburg. If an IPL match and election coverage happens at the same time, approximately 60% of the viewers will prefer to watch cricket, says a dipstick study of 120 people done across Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore by Maxus, a media buying agency that is part of GroupM India Pvt. Ltd.

An advertiser, who incidentally has bought time on both IPL and election coverage, also votes in favour of IPL. “IPL cuts across age groups and genders. Advertising on IPL will help reach out to a wider base (than elections),” says a spokesperson for Samsung Electronics Pvt. Ltd. The company bought ads on elections because of “its overall importance”, the spokesperson added. According to media buyers, a 10-second ad spot during an IPL match is currently being sold for Rs4 lakh against the going rate of Rs2, 000 to Rs4, 000 for election coverage on news channels. And while a sponsor has to spend around Rs30-35 crore to get associated with IPL, the sponsorship of election coverage on news channels costs anything between Rs15 lakh and Rs30 lakh.The study also points out that while viewers can get updates on elections intermittently, cricket fans are not likely to sacrifice live action once they sit in front of their television.

Media buyers also say that the profile of viewers on IPL will be much better than news channels.

Funny IPL Video! (Exclusive!!)

IPL Season I- Super Moments!! (Exclusive)

MAX IPL-II is Back! (TEASER-III)

MAX IPL-II IS BACK! (TEASER II)

MAX IPL-II IS BACK :Amazing Teaser!

Ladies First! In IPL too…

As the thrill builds up towards season two of the IPL, what could one be looking ahead to? Definitely the sixes & fours. Perhaps the cheerleaders. Possibly a dash of hullabaloo. Or maybe the First Ladies Club of the glitzy league that has shattered the myth that cricket is an all-men club. "Last year it was fantastic to see everyone get together for the first time," Zinta says. "I think this time it's only going to be bigger, better and stronger because everyone knows each other now and it's a lot of fun." "I only want to wish the players a safe journey and hope they play well and put their best foot forward," she says.

On the other hand, Shilpa Shetty is making an appearance in the arc-lights quite often, dancing to the tunes of a new video one day and promoting the new outfit for the Rajasthan Royals on the other, increasingly relaxed talking cricket. Other ladies who don’t own any teams but are definitely promoting IPL are- Katrina Kaif, Neha Dhupia, etc.

The other Bollywood diva with a finger in the IPL pie, Juhi Chawla, isn't heard often, instead letting co-owner Shah Rukh Khan do most of the talking for the Kolkata Knight Riders. But she and a few others are sure to be seen cheering their teams on in South Africa. Shilpa Shetty's Bollywood rival Preity Zinta is now an expert at talking cricket. The owner of Kings XI Punjab is quite a 'hands on' boss as was seen last year. But she too can make quite a song and dance about her boys. So the African Safari this year seems to agree with her.” It’s quite different from any other matches taking place anywhere else in the world," says IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. "We have a lot of entertainment and top-quality cricket at the same time. I think it is going to be non-stop carnival atmosphere from the start to the end." It’s rightly said behind every successful man there is a woman…but what about these successful women…we have come up with a new phrase for these charming ladies!

Sreesanth Slapped By Bajji!

Shilpa Shetty Performs for her IPL team Rajasthan Royals

Time For Celebration : India wins Test series on Kiwi soil after 41 years!

India proofed their primary series triumph on New Zealand soil in 41 years though rain denied them a deserving victory in the third cricket Test here on Tuesday. Rain played spoilsport in India's push for a 2-0 series win on the fifth and final day and the hosts escaped with a draw after they were down 281 for eight in the post-lunch session in chase of a near impossible 617 for a win.

The Indians, who outplayed the Kiwis right through the match, were well on course for a victory by trickery up four wickets in just over a session before light rain stopped play 30 minutes into post lunch session. Daniel Vettori on 15 was at the crease at that time along with Iain O'Brien (19). There was a glimmer of hope for India recording their 100th Test victory as covers were taken off for a short while to restart the post-lunch session half an hour after wildcat strike.

Zaheer Khan, who took five wickets in Kiwi first innings, ended the Test with figures of seven for 122 while Harbhajan Singh, with his 4/59 in New Zealand second essay, had match figures of seven for 102. India claimed three wickets in the morning session after being frustrated for more than one hour by Ross Taylor (107) and James Franklin (49) who stitched a 142-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Bollywood IPL Stars

Bollywood Stars of IPL Cricket 2009

SRK lashes at Gawaskar,"I am the owner of the team, and I bought it."

Shah Rukh Khan, owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, has hit back at Sunil Gavaskar over his comments about franchise coach John Buchanan, and asked Gavaskar to stay away from issues concerning his IPL team.

In his editorial for the Hindustan Times newspaper, Gavaskar termed Buchanan a "failed former cricketer making a living telling international players to do what he couldn't do". It has not gone down well with the IPL franchise, which last week tried to put a lid on the controversy generated by Buchanan's theory of multiple captains by releasing a statement that during a game the team would resort to a cluster of "strategists" who would report to one on-field captain while making decisions.

Khan has come to Buchanan's protection, saying there was a manifest difference in the time Gavaskar played and now. "I have admiration Mr. Gavaskar - his acquaintance about cricket is a billion times better than me," Khan told reporters in Mumbai. "But this is an era where Mr. Gavaskar has not indulged in; nevertheless his knowledge about the game does allow him to make comments.

Gavaskar also said the Indian media arranged unnecessary importance to Buchanan. "In India, where the media lives by the sound bite, Buchanan is a customary," he wrote. "If the Indian media had not made him out to be a 'super coach', he would have been just another disastrous former cricketer making a living telling international players to do what he couldn't at the first-class level."

IPL Top 10 Bowlers

1. Sohail Tanvir - Rajasthan Royals - 22 Wickets
2. Shane Warne - Rajasthan Royals - 19 Wickets
3. Sreesanth - Kings XI Punjab - 19 Wickets
4. Shane Watson - Rajasthan Royals - 17 Wickets
5. Piyush Chawla - Kings XI Punjab - 17 Wickets
6. JA Morkel - Chennai Super Kings - 17 Wickets
7. M Gony - Chennai Super Kings - 17 Wickets
8. Yo Mahesh - Delhi Dare Devils - 16 Wickets
9. Farvez Maharoof - Delhi Dare Devils - 16 Wickets
10. Irfan Pathan - Kings XI Punjab - 15 Wickets

IPL Top 10 Batsmen

1. Shaun Marsh - Kings XI Punjab - 616 Runs
2. Gautam Ghambir - Delhi Dare Devils - 534 Runs
3. Sanath Jayasuriya - Mumbai Indians - 514 Runs
4. Shane Watson - Rajasthan Royals - 472 Runs
5. Graeme Smith - Rajasthan Royals - 441
6. Adam Gilchrist - Hyderabad Deccan Chargers - 436 Runs
7. Yousuf Pathan - Rajasthan Royals - 435 Runs
8. Suresh Raina - Chennai Super Kings - 421 Runs
9. MS Dhoni - Chennai Super Kings - 414 Runs
10. Virender Shewag - Delhi Dare Devils - 406 Runs

Top IPL cricket stars to entertain at Buffalo Park

IPL Cricket Stars Will Now Entertain Buffalo Park

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar is just one of several top world cricketers who will grace Buffalo Park when Indian Premier League (IPL) matches get played in East London next month. The tournament, hosted by Cricket South Africa, runs from April 18 to May 24 – the date of the final. The tournament, the richest in the world, was moved to South Africa amidst security concerns by the Indian government..

The eight finalized venues are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Centurion, East London, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein and Kimberley. The eight franchises play a league phase comprising 56 matches over 34 days at eight venues. Spectators can also look forward to Indian entertainment before and after each match.

Dhoni Might Be the Next Brand Ambassador for an Election Party

The Election Commission is keen to cord in film stars and admired sportspersons like MS Dhoni with "non-political background" as Poll

"Citizens should know that implementing their franchise is not only their right but also their duty so the Election Commission has mooted the idea to seek the help of stars to create a center of attention young voters," Election Commissioner SY Quraishi said on Saturday. Asked whether the Indian cricket captain is one of the stars whose help the EC has sought, Quraishi said, "If Dhoni proposes to become one, we will be very happy".

"Dhoni is our hero, and the youth voters will be influenced by him (to cast votes). But he has to offer first," Quraishi quickly added when asked whether the EC would make him as its poll ambassador. "The voters should be told to vote for first-rate candidates," the Election Commissioner said.

“IPL is nothing but business”: Congress

As the elections are closer, closer are the controversies surrounding IPL & Politics. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress, in a bid to downplay the IPL controversy, today hit back saying the IPL was just “commercial cricket” and not a national tournament. The BJP, meanwhile, had tried to score political points claiming that the UPA government was unable to provide security to popular cricket tournaments in India. The Congress strongly opposed the BJP and asked it not to “politicize” the issue.

Aamir Khan Might Endorse IPL next Year!

Aamir Khan the ultimate perfectionist is likely to give a thumbs up for Indian Premier League. Who has often positioned himself in an altogether different league when compared to his contemporaries? The man who made Cricket 'entertaining' for the masses in Lagaan, is apparently all set to see his team achieve triumph in real life too. A source, who happens to be Aamir's production person, revealed that Aamir Khan was all set to be a brand ambassador of a cricket team in Indian Premier League's next season.

Hrithik Says Nah! To Indian Premier League

Well, all Hrithik Roshan’s fans are in for regret! Duggu’s spokesperson from Carving Dreams has shorn of all rumours about Hrithik being a part of the Indian Premiere League this year.

“We were all surprised when we heard recent media reports of Hrithik being a part of the Rajasthan Royal's video or its promotion, the news is absolutely untrue. He has been busy gunfire for his home production ‘Kites’ which still has one short schedule pending and has hence excused himself from all IPL promotions this year.” clarifies his spokesperson from Caving Dreams. Duggu is our one big time committed hero! His upcoming movie is ‘Kites’ by Anurag Basu.

KKR adopts safe path, to announce captain, squad in SA

People are enraged. Ganguly fans are hooting the recent multiple captaincy decision for Kolkata Knight Riders. rumor has it that fearing a public outrage after Sourav Ganguly was stripped of sole captaincy role, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today said they will announce their skipper and squad for the Indian Premier League's second season in South Africa and not here. Interestingly, the development has further fuelled speculation that the Knight Riders think tank was yet to sort out their "differences" with Ganguly.

"I don't want to disclose the names of the players who would be going to South Africa now as we want to keep all options open. We might take the whole squad which took part in the conditioning camp to South Africa. Nothing has been finalized right now. The final team for KKR would be announced in South Africa," said Bhattacharya. However SRK has clearly quoted in his recent interview that he & not anyone will take decision regarding the captaincy & this decision would be taken in South Africa.

Official IPL Schedule is Out

DATE	TIME	VENUE	TEAM
April 18th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
April 18th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Cape Town	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
April 19th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
April 19th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Cape Town	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
April 20th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
April 21st 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Rajasthan Royals (RR) Vs Mumbai Indians (MI)
April 21st 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
April 22nd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) vs Deccan Chargers (DC)
April 23rd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR)
April 23rd 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Chennai Super Kings(CSK) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
April 24th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
April 25th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Chennai Super Kings (CSK) v Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
April 25th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
April 26th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Cape Town	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
April 26th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
April 27th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
April 27th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
April 28th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
April 29th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
April 29th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB)
April 30th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
April 30th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Pretoria	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
May 1st 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
May 1st 2009	8pm to 12pm	East London	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
May 2nd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
May 2nd 2009	8pm to 12pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
May 3rd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
May 3rd 2009	8pm to 12pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
May 4th 2009	4pm to 8pm	East London	Chennai Super Kings (CSK) V Deccan Chargers (DC)
May 5th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
May 5th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
May 6th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
May 7th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
May 7th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Pretoria	Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
May 8th 2009	4pm to 8pm	East London	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
May 9th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Kimberley	Chennai Super Kings (CSK) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
May 9th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Kimberley	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
May 10th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
May 10th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB)
May 11th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Kimberley	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
May 12th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
May 12th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Pretoria	Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) v Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
May 13th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
May 14th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Rajasthan Royals (RR)
May 14th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
May 15th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Bloemfontein	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
May 16th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
May 16th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Port Elizabeth, South Africa	Chennai Super Kings (CSK) v Mumbai Indians (MI)
May 17th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Bloemfontein	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
May 17th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Johannesburg	Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) v Deccan Chargers (DC)
May 18th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) v Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
May 19th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Delhi Daredevils (DD) v Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
May 20th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Durban, South Africa	Chennai Super Kings (CSK) v Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)
May 20th 2009	8pm to 12pm	Durban, South Africa	Rajasthan Royals (RR) v Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
May 21st 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Deccan Chargers (DC) v Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB)
May 21st 2009	8pm to 12pm	Pretoria	Mumbai Indians (MI) v Delhi Daredevils (DD)
May 22nd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Pretoria	Semi-Final One
May 23rd 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Semi-Final Two
May 24th 2009	4pm to 8pm	Johannesburg	Final

Funny IPL Videos

Best IPL Catches!

Rajasthan Royals co-owner ready for a ‘Royal’ October wedding?

Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty will probably tie the knot with beau Raj Kundra in October this year. The couple have set a tentative date in October and plan to have a traditional ceremony in India, the report said. Bollywood is always surrounded with too many cooks spreading rumors but this time it seems real & all Shetty fans want her to be happily ever after settled with ‘Prince’ a.k.a Raj Kundra.

"I have very traditional views of marriage. I've seen my parents maintain a 35-year marriage and I really believe marriages are made in heaven. I've always said that the day I decide to tie the knot it is going to be for good," Shilpa said. "I have often wondered who the right person would be and I've come to realize that for me it is Raj. I'm completely sure he is my soul mate," she added.

Raj is eager as eager can be!” I have spoken to Shilpa's parents and we are doing it the Indian way. In India, you don't get engaged until just before the wedding, so I didn't go down on one knee to her or anything like that. But we have definitely set a date for this year," he said.

Preity Optimistic about IPL held in South Africa

Preity Zinta, who co-owns Indian Premier League (IPL) team Kings XI Punjab, says the Twenty20 tournament moving to South Africa is like "asking an actor to perform in a theatre where nobody knows him", but the Bollywood star also hopes the shift helps in making the event bigger.

"The option was to either have it outside India or not at all. No one is happy to shift from home ground. That thrill of playing across our own country at domestic tournaments is gone. Going to various cities with the m

atches is a high," Preity told IANS in an interview. "But we've to be optimistic. Last year when the IPL started everyone thought it would flop. It became the biggest hit ever. Likewise, the shift to South Africa could make the IPL bigger," she said on a positive note.

Akshay Kumar performs daredevil stunt at Kotla

Things That You Don't Know About Akki... (Akshay Kumar Trivia & Facts)

1. Akshay was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia in Amritsar. His father was a governm

ent worker.

2. The star has a number 9 fixation and thinks it’s his lucky number!

3. Akki’ first car was a Fiat. Today, the owner of a Porsche, Bentley and Merc, prefers to commute in his Honda CRV. Earlier, he used to drive around with son Aara

v in a Zen, which had a 'Baby on Board' sticker.

4. He loves a tan-c

olour belt which has the word 'Lust' inscribed on it. He wears it every day!

5. Is sentimental about the motorbike gifted to him by dad Hari Om Bhatia. He restored it and cleans it every weekend. 

6. The Khiladi dated Poota Batra, Raveena Tandon and Shilpa Shetty before marrying co-stars Twinkle Khanna.

7. Once in Milan, he bought a locket for Twinkle, in which he lovingly placed

 a note. It read: “This is to lock you with me forever”.

8. Akshay loves to surf and sail on the Juhu Beach and ventures into sea as on his own boat

9. Akshay’s quite sentimental about the ‘firsts’ in his life. He still keeps his first house, car, motorcycle and pair of jeans!

10. Akki rides his motorbike to shoots to avoid getting stuck in traffic!

11. When asked by his dad what he wanted to become in life, a teenaged Akshay replied he would become a hero!

12. The actor, who is on a blood-group diet, complains, "I earn so much, but still cannot eat!" His day starts with two glasses of warm water.

13. Akki used to earn Rs 4,000 a month teaching martial arts in Bombay after returning from Bangkok where he was a waiter.

14. He’s done seven films with the title Khiladi – Khiladi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Khiladiyo

n Ka Khiladi, International Khiladi, Mr Aur Mrs Khiladi and Khiladi 420 !

15. He buys two sets of everything – one for Aarav and the other for his niece Simar.

16. Often tells Twinkle, “How will you eat, if I do? For you, I’ve decided to go on a diet!” He cooks paranthas for friends, but loves Dimple’s paaya and masala jhinga.

17. The not-too fashion conscious star’s funda is: When in doubt, wear blue jeans and a white shirt!

18. A number of handbags his ma-in-law Dimple Kapadia flaunts are gifted by him.

19. He visits the Four Bungalows Gurdwara whenever he is in Mumbai.

20. Though he made his debut in Deedar, Akshay's first film appearance was in Aaj, where he played a martial arts instructor for five seconds!

21. Akshay has turned his old house into a gym. Two floors are dedicated to Parkour, an exercise he and Aarav train in.

22. Once in Australia, the fitness freak walked up and down an 80-storey building because he could not hit the gym!

23. Akshay does not prefer to read books. However, his book is releasing soon.

24. He’s crazy about sushi. Also loves gulab jamuns and jalebis dipped in milk.

25. He used to jog at 4 a.m on Mumbai roads to avoid being mobbed.

Bollywood Geared Up For IPL!

Lights Camera Action! Bollywood A-listers are now headed to South Africa already & are geared up promoting their respective teams for the upcoming Indian Premier League-II. Shilpa Shetty, The actress, who owns a share in one of the IPL teams, landed in South Africa on Friday to discuss plans for the upcoming event set to take place in different cities from April 18 to May 24. The IPL, a franchise-based Twenty20 competition organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, features the world’s best cricketers.

Apart from the cricketers, excitement is also swelling about the high-profile owners of the teams, which include Bollywood super-stars like Shahrukh Khan, Preity Zinta and Shetty, who are expected to make appearances at the games. Many actors though are not the owners of any IPL team have participated in the much coveted cricket tournament have added a zing to it by promoting IPL teams. Akshay Kumar did stunning stunts for the Delhi Dare-Devils; Katrina Kaif also supported Akki while Kareena Kapoor & Anil Kapoor supported the Mumbai Indians.

"There was just too much money riding on the tournament and cancelling it was easier said than done."-Shilpa Shetty

Shilpa Shetty, co-owner of the Rajasthan Royals, has backed South Africa to host the Indian Premier League Season Two. England and South Africa were declared front runners to host the mega event after the Board of Control for Cricket in India decided to shift the twenty20 tournament out of India due to security concerns.

IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi was due to arrive in Johannesburg today for discussions with Cricket South Africa and with South African government officials, while a separate team was on its way to England for similar discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board. "Whichever place is suitable for the game and will make the game entertaining should be chosen," Shetty told NDTV."England seems difficult at the moment because of the weather and South Africa seems more likely."

The BCCI moved the tournament out of India after state police refused to provide security during the Indian general elections.Shetty said the choice of moving the tournament was a hard one, but it was the right decision.” If the choice had to be no tournament and a tournament in a different country, I would choose the latter - clearly choose the latter," she said.” I think Modi has taken the right call and we can all breathe a sigh of relief that the tournament is going ahead.

Shah Rukh, Shilpa, Preity back IPL shift abroad.

The svelte Kareena Kapoor unlike Preity Zinta & Shilpa Shetty who are trying their luck
In the business of cricket through the Indian Premier League (IPL), but our Bebo says she has no such plan as she doesn't have a business sense.

Asked if she planned to enter IPL like other actresses, Kareena said: "I have no idea about business. I only know how to act. As for business, I will think about it five years later.” While Preity co-owns IPL team Kings XI Punjab, Juhi is part owner of Shah Rukh's Kolkata Knight Riders and Shilpa Shetty joined the cricket bandwagon this year with beau Raj Kundra by buying a stake in Rajasthan Royals. Maybe soon our Youth Icon Pair ‘Bebo & Saif” will be the owners of IPL team next time! So not only do our cricketers compete on screen, now there will be rivalries off-screen too!

Shatrugan Says a ‘Thumbs Up’ to Bar Girls in IPL!

Actor-turned politician Shatrughan Sinha who gave more than a decade to the Bollywood industry, slammed out at organizers of IPL matches for bringing cheer girls to the stadiums, making a so-called ridicule of cricket.

“If you are so interested in deploying these cheer girls who dance after hits of fours and sixes, it is better to give chance to the bar girls who have been rendered unemployed after Maharashtra government put a ban on the dance in bars,” said Sinha.
“I am afraid that cricket, which has been shortened from five days to one day and now to the T 20 format, might be reduced to ‘Toss-Toss’ in which the winner will be decided through toss,” he said sarcastically.
Strongly criticizing the move to bring cheer girls from abroad for performing what he termed as “indecent dance” during Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, Sinha said it is “difficult to find cricket in these matches”.
Sinha, who was union minister in Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led NDA government, also took exception to the auctioning of players for the IPL tournament. Shotgun Sinha appealed to the cricketing bosses to seriously ponder over the issue to save the glory of the great sport.

Controversies, More Controversies for IPL…

Last few weeks have been tough for IPL. First the brutal attack on the Sri Lankan cricketers then the location change which created stir in the nation amongst the cricket fans & now the latest bubble is that Kolkata Knight Riders will have more than one captain! What a journey it has been for the IPL over the last few weeks. It has been one rutted boulevard.

March 2: The election commission announced the dates for the 16th Lok Sabha elections.

March 3: Sri Lankan cricketers attacked in Lahore.

March 4: Home Minister P Chidambaram drops the bombshell, tells CNN-IBN that providing paramilitary forces for IPL matches during general elections will be difficult.

March 5: Government-IPL decides to review dates to save the event. IPL bosses get into action to salvage the billion dollar event.

March 6: Lalit Modi says IPL to roll on schedule, Mumbai not Jaipur to host inaugural match.

March 7: IPL submits fresh schedule to Home Ministry.

March 9: Ministry of Home Affairs asks states to respond and the ministry puts the ball into the State Governments' court.

March 10: Lalit Modi addresses a press conference in Mumbai claiming IPL will take care of its own security

March 12: Deadlock continues as states demand central forces for IPL.

March 13: Ministry of Home Affairs asks for a further revised schedule.

March 14: IPL starts to work on yet another schedule

March 15: Government asks IPL to consult states on revised dates.

March 16: Home Ministry officials and BCCI meet in North block but fail to find a solution

March 17: A third revised schedule sees Delhi and Jaipur omitted from the list of venues as IPL.

March 18: New schedule is then send to Home Ministry with Mumbai as a main centre hosting as many as 14 matches.

March 20: A huge blow for the IPL as reports of Mumbai backtracking from their earlier approval comes through.

March 21: The final nail in the coffin with the Maharashtra Government refusing on grounds of security in a written letter to the IPL.

March 22: IPL shifted out of India.

March 24: Lalit Modi pulls the rabbit out of the hat, takes IPL to South Africa.

March 25: Kolkata Knight Riders decide to have Multiple Captains.

The Journey of Controversies continues….

Ganguly upset with Buchanan, Says he was never consulted over the KNR multiple captaincy decision

This year the Indian Premier League has more controversies than the matches itself. Here’s another one in its kitty. Kolkata Knight Riders has decided not to have a fixed captain for the IPL this season. Ganguly however chews his own word with a grim-looking plastic smile & quotes, “I am not upset.’ And superficially laughs off the rumors. A grim-looking Ganguly, sitting beside Buchanan at the press conference, refused to elaborate on the decision and simply said the concept was new and needed to be evaluated as it goes on. Ganguly said the plan was Buchanan's. "He is the coach of the team and he has got the right to make decisions. We'll see as it goes along. At the end of the day we all have to deliver."

Buchanan said the prospect of Ganguly not being a mechanical choice in the XI was not an issue at the moment. "All we are doing right at this stage is that we have no concept of the schedule, what it looks like and where we are playing - all those sorts of things. Whether Sourav is in the side in three weeks or four weeks time at this stage is irrelevant." Obviously Ganguly fans are extremely upset over this decision & are venting their anger over it. Any publicity is good publicity & IPL is getting just that.

Ciao India, South Africa I Am Coming Baby!

The summer has just begun & the heat is already reached its maximum. IPL Season II has raised the temperature in India. Finally the word is out. IPL will no longer be played in India but South Africa as confirmed by Lalit Modi, BCCI Head. IPL’s second season; IPL 2009 finally gets home, to be played across six cities in South Africa starting April 18th. “The overwhelming reason we chose South Africa is primarily its weather.” Says Lalit Modi ostensibly.

England & South Africa were the two prime options for ipl cricket match this year. However England was chalked out primarily due to its cold & wet climate. Another issue is security concerns; England government cannot provide such A-list security in such a short span of time. The ipl t20 match timings will however not be changed & Indians can heave a sigh of relief. The timings will be 4pm to 10pm. However the Indian cricket fans our bitterly disappointed & our voicing their opinions on various social networking websites like Face Book, Orkut, and MySpace etc. One of the IPL Community member Nilesh Rane on Face Book bursts out, “This shows how unstable system we have. Shifting of IPL proves that our State runners are in doubt on India's security.

How safe are we?”

Interestingly, the IPL will be played across six cities & that has only forced Modi to not allocate home bases to the eight teams. “This was a very sensitive & delicate issue (providing a home base for each team). But because we will be playing at six venues we’ve decided that no team will have a home base during the tournament. The matches will be evenly distributed with every team playing equal no of times on each venue.” Modi quoted. Last but not the least news is that even after the venue change Pakistan Cricket Team will not play for IPL because the squads have already been finalized.