Dynamic West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo's smash-hit rap 'Champion dance' during the opening ceremony and the use of LED light stumps are the two major attractions of the ninth edition of Indian Premier League, said tournament chairman Rajeev Shukla.
Bravo, who will be playing for the new team Gujarat Lions, is expected to perform the 'Champion Dance' that has now become a rage among the cricket fans of India and IPL is trying to cash in on its popularity.
"Dwayne Bravo is performing on Champion Dance during the opening ceremony of IPL-9 in Mumbai. His performance will be the special attraction and there might be a few more West Indies cricketers, who will perform alongside Bravo," IPL chairman Shukla told PTI on Wednesday.
Shukla also informed that the LED stumps, which lights up and has been in use since 2014 across ICC's 20 and 50 over World Cups, will be used for the first time in the cash-rich league.
LED stumps were first used during Big Bash 2013 and subsequently in the 2014 and 2016 ICC World T20s along with 2015 World Cup. The LED stumps were an innovation by Bronte Eckermann and no player can keep it as a souvenir. A pair of bails is believed to cost as much as a latest version of iPhone.
"The LED stumps will be used during this season's IPL matches. The same company that has supplied LED stumps to ICC has been roped in for the tournament," Shukla said.
The IPL governing council has also thought about 'Fan Engagement' and that's why they are trying an innovative idea to connect with the fans during the match.
"If there is a run-out or a stumping that has been referred to the third umpire, before the decision is flashed, the fans express their opinion. They will be provided with placards with signs of "out or Not Out" and they can flash it for 30 seconds irrespective of the umpire's decision," said Shukla.
There will also be 36 'IPL Fan Parks' with one outside India in the United States.
"There will be a Fan Park in the state of New Jersey in the United States. It is the first time that an IPL Fan park will be created outside the country. The 35 in the country is a significant rise from the 16 we had last year," said Shukla.
