A spectacular fireworks display crackled over Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday evening, moments after the opening game of this year's Indian Premier League (IPL) season had ended with a whimper not a bang. Defending champions Mumbai Indians – who had been set an imposing total of 164 to chase down – slipped to a heavy 41-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders and were well-beaten long before CM Gautam was stumped off the game's final delivery.
A combination of pyrotechnics, cheerleaders, flags, loud music and an enthusiastic capacity crowd being whipped into a frenzy by an equally enthusiastic stadium announcer, all contributed to the feeling that this was a special night in Abu Dhabi – and served notice that there is nothing in the cricketing world that is quite like the IPL.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has tipped the cricketing world upside down. It is easy to see why: the league delivers a product that fills stadiums and puts smiles on the faces of spectators. The UAE plays host to 18 more matches before the end of April in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Few who witnessed the season-opener will want the party to end any time soon.
