IPL-4 will not have cheerleaders!

IPL has become synonomous with controversies. Adding fuel to the fire is the news that IPL-4 will be held without the cheerleaders. Not that cheerleaders were a part of the gentleman’s game, nevertheless it had become a indispensable part of the IPL. Cheerleading, a mainstay of Basketball and American Football in the US, was first introduced to the gentleman’s game in the IPL. Since the first edition of the IPL in 2008, the cheergirls proved to be a big draw among India’s cricket-watching audience.

The decision was taken after concerns that the South African firm that contracted the cheerleaders was involved in dubious activities has led the board to launch an investigation into the matter. The board has already asked DNA Networks, the Bangalore-based firm that managed ground entertainment for all IPL


franchisees, to provide all details with regard to the cheerleaders. The board is concerned that they proved a bit too popular. There is concern over a scroll that used to appear during the telecast of IPL-3 matches, exhorting viewers to call a premium number if they wanted to chat with the cheerleaders.
The board is particularly concerned about the presence of cheerleaders at the after-match parties. BCCI has already decided to do away with post-match parties from the next edition of the tournament.
Looks like the Indian ‘Party’ league is no more there, and it is set to turn to Indian ‘Playing’ league for now!