IPL 2017 Opening Ceremony performance live updates, photos, videos and reactions; Amy Jackson sizzles; Sachin, Sourav, Laxman and Sehwag felicitated

That's it from the small but unique opening ceremony. Stay tuned for the live commentary of the first match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore, that starts from 8 pm.

The #IPL iconic cricketers felicitated ahead of the opening game - @sachin_rt @SGanguly99 @VVSLaxman281 @virendersehwag pic.twitter.com/xIHjYsmARe
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2017

#SpiritofCricket at #IPL - #Viratkohli & #davidwarner pic.twitter.com/dUevlFhJoI
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2017

She ends her sequence with "Kala Chashma", a blockbuster song from the Katrina Kaif-starrer, Baar Baar Dekho.

With an army of choreographers doing the "wave" around her in white, Amy is shaking a leg to the immensely groovy song "Chull", from the movie Baar Baar Dekho.

She has transformed into a golden outfit, grooving to the beats of "Haseeno ka Deewana", a popular song remixed for the 2017 Bollywood movie, Kaabil.

Amy Jackson has made a stunning entry into the ground. She looks ravishing in a red outfit.

Quite possible Rahul Dravid has been delayed in travel. Flights are running delayed in Delhi since yesterday cos of thunderstorms. #IPL
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) April 5, 2017

Let the games begin. Let's have a great tournament everyone @IPL pic.twitter.com/TgWe1hhJ50
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) April 5, 2017

David Warner hands over a token to Kohli, the visiting captain, to highlight the spirit of the game.

Winner of the 2016 IPL, David Warner is the next captain to enter the stage. Alongside him is the glittering IPL trophy. The Orange Army contingent is presenting a dance sequence around him.

A shoulder injury will prevent the 28-year old from taking the field for the first few matches of his team's campaign.

Virat Kohli, captain of the RCB, is the first skipper to enter the stadium, amidst a rousing response. The RCB "Play Bold" anthem is resonating in the background.

That's a total of....
1682 int'l matches
81304 int'l runs
199 int'l hundreds
in one picture!@IPL #IPL2017 pic.twitter.com/CQT3tyHgxD
— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) April 5, 2017

For some reason, Rahul Dravid is not part of the felicitation ceremony.

And finally, Rajiv Shukla, Chairman of the IPL, felicitates Sachin Tendulkar.

Amitabh Choudhary presents a golden bat to Virender Sehwag.

CK Khanna is the next one to felicitate the Prince of Kolkata, Sourav Ganguly.

Vinod Rai, Chairman of CoA felicitates VVS Laxman with a golden bat.

Sachin Tendulkar paints his thoughts about the IPL:"Cant believe we have completed 10 years. When IPL was announced in 2007, I never thought IPL will become so big. Because of IPL, the game has gone to those countries who have nothing associated with cricket".

"It takes your game and confidence to a different level. It can't get bigger than this!", says Sourav Ganguly.

The original #IPL iconic players are here to kickstart the proceedings - @sachin_rt @VVSLaxman281 @SGanguly99 @virendersehwag pic.twitter.com/eFdD8TkCll
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 5, 2017

"We are looking forward to IPL 10. IPL has revolutionised the dynamics of the game and the mindset of the players. It is becoming a real entertainment. IPL has provided it to one and all", says VVS Laxman.

VVS Laxman and Sachin Tendulkar are being driven around the stadium in a golf cart, acknowledging a boisterous crowd. Sehwag and Ganguly are at the other end in another cart.

The loudest cheer has been reserved for Sachin Tendulkar, who walks in at the end to meet his former teammates.

The stylish VVS Laxman, forever the thorn in Australia's flesh, and the local boy, is the next one to walk inside the ground.

Following him into the middle is the captain who groomed him, Sourav Ganguly.

Virender Sehwag is the first person to be called onto the stage. He walks to the podium amidst a guard of honour.

Last year ended with the Sunrisers Hyderabad winning the title for the first time.

Ravi Shastri is on the podium, summarising the journey of IPL from 2008-2016.

And, the ceremony is underway!
KM Music Conservatory is crooning on one side of the Rajiv Gandhi stadium, singing the famous 'Chale Chalo' song from the movie 2001 Bollywood epic, Lagaan.

We are not too far away from the start of the IPL 2017 opening ceremony.

Under a cloud ☁️ cover of orange literally at the @SunRisers' home ground #IPL pic.twitter.com/WLQ4VtF6kI
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 4, 2017

This is what the Hyderabad stadium looked like yesterday:

While separate ceremonies might not be getting a popular response, this is what Rajiv Shukla, the IPL Chairman, said:
“Separate opening ceremonies across all the host cities will give the fans an opportunity to witness the opening of the 10th edition of the IPL live.”

The first opening ceremony is set to start from 1830 hours, an hour and a half before the start of the opening match.

The carnival is back!

For the first time in the history of IPL, the season will begin with, not one, but eight IPL opening ceremonies. The first opening ceremony will be held in Hyderabad, ahead of the first match between RCB and SRH. As always, there will be heavy dollops of Bollywood, with stars like Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Parineeti Chopra and Amy Jackson expected to combine together for an electrifying performance.