ABU DHABI: The seventh season of Pepsi Indian Premier League was flagged off in Abu Dhabi with an opening event rich in cricketing pedigree as well as a generous dose of fun and frolic.

It began with a welcome note by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development, in which he spoke of the UAE’s determination as a nation to move forward in the sporting field.

Then it was time for host, Ravi Shastri to invite the eight IPL captains to vow their allegiance to maintain the integrity of cricket by signing the MCC Spirit of Cricket plaque.

Staying with the subject of cricket’s pride, Sunil Gavaskar, interim President, BCCI-IPL, delivered a passionate speech about how he and his colleagues at the BCCI intend to take every possible measure to eradicate the very shadow of corruption from the sport. Mr. Gavaskar appealed cricket fans all over the world to maintain their faith in cricket and believe in its sanctity.

After the serious business, it was time for some entertainment. There was a light and sound show, which depicted traditions and cultures of the UAE and India and merged them together to bring out a seamless bond between the two nations.

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