IPL 2009 – The Forgotten Gem of Cricket Seasons

 

IPL 2009 might not be the most talked-about season today, but it holds a special place in IPL history. Moved to South Africa due to security concerns, it was the first time the league was hosted outside India—and it was a grand success.

The pitches, weather, and crowd behaviour were different, but the core spirit of IPL remained intact. The tournament saw new stars rise and underdogs shine. Deccan Chargers, led by Adam Gilchrist, went from bottom of the table in 2008 to champions in 2009—a true comeback story.

IPL 2009 also gave us some of the most memorable performances: AB de Villiers' ton, RP Singh's purple cap-winning run, and standout games from Rohit Sharma, who was still evolving as a T20 batsman. These performances laid the foundation for many long IPL careers.

What also stood out was how South African fans embraced the league. From Cape Town to Johannesburg, stadiums were packed, and the local support made it feel like home away from home for many Indian players.

Though over a decade has passed, IPL 2009 is remembered for its uniqueness, surprises, and the adaptability of the league. It was proof that cricket, when done right, can win hearts anywhere.

Pakistan's IPL hopes left out in cold

The Indian Premier League will be missing one spicy ingredient from its heady mix in 2009 after Pakistan's exhilarating players were exiled from the money-spinning tournament.

The Pakistan government banned its players from participating in the IPL after political relations with India deteriorated in the wake of November's terror attacks in Mumbai, which New Delhi blamed on militants based across the border.

By the time the IPL was relocated to South Africa, following the Indian government's refusal to provide adequate security, as the event overlapped with parliamentary elections, Pakistani players' contracts had already been either terminated or suspended.

The IPL refused to include Pakistan players even after the relocation, claiming new stars had been bought by franchises as replacements.

Pakistani players were outraged and claimed the IPL had not bothered to inform them about the contract cancellations. They even staged a protest under the banner 'Include us or pay us' in Lahore last week.

They have also threatened legal action.

Former international captain Ramiz Raja believes a consequence will be plummeting interest in the IPL in Pakistan.

"The event's moved out of India, there are no Pakistani players playing, so interest in our country has definitely gone down," said Raja, who as a television commentator, will be the only Pakistani involved in this year's IPL.

Even Pakistan?s two world class umpires, Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf, were left out in the cold.

Pakistan?s limited overs series against Australia from April 22-May 7 in the United Arab Emirates, which clashes with the first half of the IPL, will also divert the attention of television viewers away from events in South Africa.

source : http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gs5ropwWBVhl5OrOX8kwQhJisTwA