What to Expect from the World’s Biggest T20 League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional T20 cricket league that has become one of the most popular and lucrative sporting events in the world. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has grown in size, scope, and spectacle, attracting top players, coaches, broadcasters, and fans from around the globe. With the successful completion of IPL 2022, the focus now shifts to IPL 2023, which promises to be another exciting and competitive season. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key aspects of IPL 2023 and what fans can expect from this mega event.
Starting from 31st March, the 16th edition of Indian Premier League is back where Defending champions Gujarat Titans will take on Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad in the opening match of IPL 2023. Here’s the detailed schedule of IPL 2023
With the humongous fan following around the globe, the world’s biggest T20 league will feature a total of 74 matches including 70 group stage matches, 2 Qualifiers, 1 Eliminator and the Final. Talking of the IPL 2023 schedule, 59 days of unlimited entertainment will be there from 31st March to 28th May for all Cricket fans out there.
More fans can cheer for their favorite team this season as IPL 2023 will return to its original home-and-away format for the first time since 2019 where every team plays every other team twice: once at the opponent’s ground and once at home. Matches will be played at 12 different cities including Guwahati and Dharamsala.
The new comer Gujarat Titans clinched the IPL 2022 title last year leaving Rajasthan Royal fans heavy heartedly as they were looking to grab their 2nd title since 2008. Team Gujarat might have proven their worth in 2022, but can they defend their Title in 2023?
The time will tell as it will not be an easy journey for them this year.
Almost all teams have injury concerns in their squad be it from Shreyas Iyer to Bumrah or Kyle Jamieson to Jhye Richardson. With the World Test Championship final just a week after the end of the IPL, there has already been scrutiny on player preparation.
Most Expensive Purchases of IPL 2023
Sam Curran became the most expensive player ever in IPL history as Punjab Kings created history at the IPL 2023 auction in Kochi by purchasing him for a whopping Rs.18.5 crores.
Mumbai paid Rs.17.50 crore to acquire Cameron Green, making him the league’s second-most expensive player.
Ben Stokes was also acquired by CSK for Rs.16.25 crore, making him the team’s most expensive player in history and the third-highest bid in IPL records.
What’s New this year in IPL 2023?
The Impact Player Rule
This is an innovative addition to the 2023 IPL. According to this rule, each team could name up to four substitutes in addition to their Playing11. Before the 14th over of the innings, any of these four players can substitute for any member of the Playing XI. The job of the substitute could be to bat for an extra over or bowl.
This rule will add more thrill and tactics to the game, as teams can use the impact player to transform the course of the match. However, each team cannot have more than four overseas players in the playing XI.
Home & Away Format
Home-and-away format is back after the wait of 3 seasons. This format was used in IPL till 2019 but wasn’t used afterwards due to COVID-19 pandemic. Although Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to play two home games each in Dharamshala and Guwahati respectively
Where to Watch IPL 2023?
Young Fans had the habit of watching IPL on Hotstar App but this year it’s changed. From this year, Reliance has bagged the digital streaming rights of IPL so fans will have to watch it on Jio Cinema app and that too without any subscription, yes it’s free for all. Although for fans who watch on TV can watch on Star Sports like always
New Toss Rule
Currently the Captains exchange the Playing11 before the toss, this has been changed to exchange of teams immediately after the toss, to enable teams to choose the best 11 depending on whether they are batting or bowling first.
Each captain will carry two team sheets-
(a) Playing XI and 4 subs if they bat first.
(b) Playing XI and 4 subs if they bowl first.
Depending on the outcome of the toss the captains will exchange the team sheets.
This was some head start to IPL 2023, so all IPL fans, fasten your seat belts as only 1 week left for India Ka Tyohar
