A major change came in the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) this year, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided against organising an opening ceremony before the start of the first game of the season on March 23. The decision was taken in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack that shook the country on February 14. Instead of spending money on a curtain-raiser event, the BCCI decided to allocate the same funds towards the welfare of the families of 40 CRPF Jawans who had lost their lives in the dastardly terror attack that took place in the valley.
“We won’t have a regular IPL opening ceremony. The amount will be given to families of CRPF victims,” the BCCI CoA Vinod Rai had confirmed.
The idea was finalised by BCCI acting president CK Khanna, who had officially submitted the proposal for the board to donate at least Rs 5 crore for the martyrs’ families.
It was also understood that a total sum of Rs 15 crore was sidelined for the opening ceremony and a similar amount would instead be donated to the soldiers’ families.
The season, hence, will begin straight with the first game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium where defending champions Chennai Super Kings host Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 23rd.
