A quick look at the IPL’s ooh-la-la ratings
Liz Hurley, Preity Zinta and Deepika Padukone (GETTY/AGENCIES)
While there is a sense that the tourney this time is more about what’s happening on the field, as against in its earlier avatars under ex-founder Lalit Modi, the appearance of one very glamourous Briton will have cameras panning to the stands and dugout a lot more.
Rajasthan Royals' co-owner and Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty reacts after her team won the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match against Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad, India, Saturday, April 9, 2011. Rajasthan Royals beat the Deccan Chargers by 8 wickets on the second day of the fourth edition of IPL on Saturday. (AP)
Actress, supermodel and British beauty Elizabeth Hurley is said to be India-bound to cheer her beau Shane Warne, who captains the Rajasthan Royals’ team.
Reports say Hurley will be coming with son Damien. Ironically, they will be staying at Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur which is not far from the Rambagh Palace where she married Nayar four years back.
Mumbai Indians' co-owner Nita Ambani waves a team flag during an Indian Premier League cricket match against Delhi Daredevils in New Delhi, India, Sunday, April 10, 2011. The fourth edition of the world's richest cricket tournament scheduled between April 8-May 28 comprises of 10 teams and 74 matches. (AP)Lately, Warne has been brushing up Hurley’s knowledge of cricket.
With a host of Bollywood stars and celebrities already involved as owners of various IPL teams, the action in the stands is bound to heat up.
With Shilpa Shetty co-owner of the Royals, Warnie’s side may now lead the “sexiest supporters” stakes, adding Liz Hurley to the list.
Kolkata Knight Riders team owners and Bollywood stars Shahrukh Khan, left and Juhi Chawla, right, cheer during the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket match against Rajasthan Royals in Kolkata, India, Sunday, April 17, 2011. (AP)The Punjab Kings XI has actress Preity Zinta in their dugout, while the Kolkata Knight Riders have the superstar Shah Rukh Khan and former Bollywood queen Juhi Chawla.
Owner of Bangalore’s Royal Challengers, Dr Vijay Mallya’s son, Siddarth, often has Bollywood bombshell Deepika Padukone by his side making these Royals pretty hot to watch as well.
Most Bollywood stars being based in Mumbai, might by default, support the Mumbai Indians and with a little prodding from Nita Ambani could easily show up in numbers to sizzle for the Mumbai cause.
Which leaves teams like Hyderabad’s Deccan Chargers, Pune’s Warriors, and the Kochi Tuskers to start considering what the celeb quotient in their dugouts is going to be.
Then there is the Chennai Superkings. All they need to do is bring in Rajnikanth. Game over.
