The DLF-DALDA INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to the DLF-DALDA Indian Premier League.

The Indian Premier League, which shot off like a meteor, is back with its fourth season, and we are all aware of the value of the league. Last year, the total worth of the IPL was valued at 4.13 billion, apart from being the only sporting tournament to be broadcast live on youtube.

This year, the organisers of Indian Premier League have gone all guns blazing, and are riding on the cricket frenzy that has been whipped up by the victory at the World Cup. We spoke to an official of the IPL, who wished to be only called M, and he confirms this, on conditions of anonymity.

HR: Mr. M, congratulations on the fourth edition of the Indian Premier League. Is it true that this edition is going to be bigger than the last?

M: Yes, yes. Of course. There were speculations of the value having dipped, but India won the World Cup, and now India will watch cricket for another 45 days. No problem.

HR: Tell us about the change in the title sponsorship.

M: Well, nothing much to say there. DLF has always been our title sponsors. This year, we have added ‘Dalda’ also as the title sponsors, hence the change in the name of the tournament.

HR: Won’t that affect the ad-revenue equations?

M: No, of course not. We at IPL have always been known for the subtlety in advertising. This year too,  we are trying to maintain that subtlety.

HR: Could you explain how?

M: Well, I am not allowed to disclose all the details, but I’ll give you an example just to illustrate my point. For eg. when Royal Challengers Bangalore are bowling, we shall use the local Bangalore lingo of ‘da’ very innocuously. So, we’ll have the keeper say, “Waisa hi ball daal, da”

HR: So…?

M: daal, da. Dalda. Ring a bell?

HR: Yes, sir. Very subtle.

M: Thank you. There have been other innovations too, in this year’s format. For eg, we have sold the fielding positions to corporates too. So this year, you will have a man fielding at ‘Veet Fine Leg’. Then, there is also ‘Kohinoor Extra Cover’.

HR: Last year, there was a lot of ruckus about terms like ‘DFL Super Sixes’ and ‘Karbon Kamaal Catch’. Do we have any of those this year too?

M: Yes, apart from the DLF Super Six, the Citi Moment of Success, and the Karbon Kamaal Catch, this time we have the Moods ‘My Man’ of the Match. That is sure to bring in a lot of excitement to the game.

HR: I am sure, sir. There have also been reports that an irate fan had shot down the MRF Blimp. Is it true?

M: Rubbish. The MRF Blimp is very much there. We are yet to take a call on whether it is going to be used.

HR: There have been reports that you have gone underground and will gradually vanish from the scene. Is there any truth in that?

M: Rubbish! I am just spending some time with myself, away from the limelight. I am doing a lot of reading.

HR: Like?

M: Ahem, there’s this amazing book called ‘Twenty thousand leagues under the sea….”