IPL Opening Ceremony

It’s common knowledge that the IPL is less of cricket and more of, well… entertainment, entertainment, entertainment! Keeping with that spirit, the IPL opening ceremony is all about bringing in Bollywood biggies (and of course Hollywood entertainment) in to perform and kick off the show. However, I wasn’t quite feeling this year’s opening ceremony. Here are five things that just didn’t sit right with me.

1. The venue

YMCA ground

You’d think the IPL opening ceremony would take place at a stadium, but instead it was put up at the YMCA Ground. I just think it detracts from the entire vibe and audience shots tend to look so much cheaper!

2. Salman’s performance

Okay, I get that it’s a stage outfit, but still – you’re playing Aaya re aaya Bodyguard while Salman waltzes in wearing tomato red pants, a blingy Being Human tshirt and a blazer on top of that. Somehow, it doesn’t work in my mind. Also, is it just me or did his performance lack enthusiasm? The Teri Meri was not good at all!

3. Priyanka plugged her film

Yes, I understand that it’s important to promote a film. But I can’t help but get a little annoyed that she sneakily dropped in a Krrish reference into the IPL proceedings. Stick to what we’re here for!

4. … and then she made the cricketers dance.

Priyanka Chopra and the Chennai Super Kings

I get that it was meant to be fun, but mostly I found it a forced attempt at entertainment. Let the cricketers stick to what they’re good at – that provides the most entertainment.

5. Katy Perry’s performance

What? She only performed Teenage Dream? Apparently, she was singing more songs but SET MAX decided not to show it, huh?! Don’t tell me you flew Katy Perry to India, created all that hype, then just showed her singing one song. How insulting.