Navtej Kohli Interest Blog

If you are a cricket buff, Navtej Kohli blog is certainly a place for you. Navtej Kohli talks about IPL and all the fuss attached to it.

IPL Twenty 20 has grown form a mere concept to the catchphrase of 21st century. Featuring world-class players, dynamic franchisee owners, over-enthusiastic aficionados, beautiful cheerleaders, huge stakes and of course a lot of controversy, IPL has ventured into what was beyond the imagination of cricket moguls.
The game has evolved dramatically from the dillydallied test cricket to the fast-paced extravaganza, which takes spectators on a thrilling rollercoaster ride. The good news- Cricket fans are just loving it!
IPL ticket sales have evidently taken off in a big way. Twenty 20 merchandise fell short of supply…whew!
IPL has definitely set the whole world on fire.
Although, since its inception, IPL is under constant clouds of criticism but this has not let its mania plunge even a tad. The supporters of traditional cricket format maintain that IPL is nothing more than a money-spinning entertainment sport. However the supporting clan rejects the claims stating that IPL promoted local talents.
What I think is unique about IPL is its concept. Take the players’ apparels, new rules and needless to say, the Bollywood’s Midas touch, IPL has come of age at once.
And with all the glamour, all the razzmatazz, and all the quality players from all different countries in one spot, the whole IPL event looks like a sort of hybrid world cup.
But who will win? I take a chance on Kings XI

Will Shoaib be able to make an impact, given the suspension of his ban to play at IPL. Navtej Kohli looks into the all the likelihoods.

Shoaib Akhtar may have been allowed to play in the Indian Premier League but former players say the maverick pacer will find it tough to make an impact in the twenty20 league as months of absence from the cricket field has robbed him of match fitness.
The beleaguered pacer, whose 5-year ban was suspended on Sunday for a month by the appellate tribunal of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has bowled just 18 overs and played one competitive match since mid-December last year.
He has not played since February 13 this year when he led the Federal Areas team against Punjab in the Pentangular Cup tournament in Lahore and didn’t get a wicket.
His last appearance for Pakistan was the third Test in Bangalore against India in early December last year.
Since then, he was dropped for the one-day series at home against Zimbabwe and was subsequently banned for indiscipline when Bangladesh toured last month for five one-day games.
In this background and given his fitness record, experts believe the fast bowler could be in for a real test when eventually he does play for the Kolkata Knight Riders team on May 8.
“I am happy he has had his ban suspended and this allows him to play in the IPL. But as a former Test pacer I know how difficult it is getting back into rhythm and match form if you haven’t played for six months,” former player Sarfraz Nawaz said.