IPL 2016: Spectators to become umpires during matches

In a move which is aimed at attracting more audience to the stadiums and to improve the audience outreach, Indian Premier League chairman Rajiv Shukla today announced that the audience too would get a chance to air their views on decisions referred to the third umpire during the matches.

"They will be given a placard, and whatever they say, out or not out, that will be caught by the camera and shown on the screen....but the decision of the third umpire will be final, and whatever the third umpire watches on the screen will be the final call”, Shukla informed.

Bollywood stars to perform

Shukla also informed that a plethora of Bollywood stars like Ranveer Singh, Katrina Kaif and singer Yo Yo Honey Singh would be present during the opening ceremony on April 8 at Worli in Mumbai.

IPL has been surrounded by controversies and Shukla also briefed media about the various anti-corruption initiatives the BCCI has taken.

"To strengthen (anti-corruption measures) BCCI President has spoken to Maharashtra Chief Minister to ask if the services of Mumbai police can be availed of; then anti-corruption unit, ICC anti-corruption unit, Mumbai police can together seek information and act on it," he added.

The first match of this season will be played between current champions Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiants in Mumbai.

Along with Pune, the other team to make their debut will be Gujarat Lions led by Suresh Raina.

Shukla also made it clear that this hectic season will end with the IPL. The Indian team is then slated to play quite a few Test Series both home and away.