IPL: Spectators to play third umpire

Indian Premier League spectators will be able to get their views on any decision referred to the third umpire, but the third umpire will be independent in his analysis.

Rajeev Shukla: "To strengthen (anti-corruption measures) BCCI President has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister to ask if the services of Mumbai police can be availed of."

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Rajiv Shukla on Tuesday said that this season, the viewers will also get a chance to air their views on decisions referred to the third umpire. “They will be given a placard, and whatever they say, out or not out, that will be caught by the camera and shown on the screen....but the decision of the third umpire will be final,” he added.

“This opinion will not matter to the third umpire, he will go as per whatever he sees on the (TV) screen,” he said, speaking to reporters at a function here.

This will increase the involvement of the viewers, he said.

Bollywood extravaganza

Bollywood stars Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif and the singer Yo Yo Honey Singh, among others, will perform in the IPL opening ceremony on April 8 at Worli in Mumbai, Shukla said.

“To strengthen (anti-corruption measures) BCCI President has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister to ask if the services of Mumbai police can be availed of; anti-corruption unit, ICC anti-corruption unit, [and] Mumbai police can together seek information and act on it,” he added.

Asked if too much cricket was being played, Shukla said the season will culminate with IPL.