IANS

Mumbai, Mar 13: The Indian Premier League (IPL) came alive at home with a gala opening ceremony, starred by some top entertainers like Lionel Richie, Ali Campbell of UB40's and Bjorn Again and Bollywood diva Deepika Padukone.

The cricketing quotient aside, fans were treated to an eye-catching array of global artists and entertainers.

The opening ceremony was a breathtaking visual extravaganza and was the most extensive hour of entertainment ever conceived and executed in India.

The opening ceremony started with the eight captains taking the "MCC - Spirit of Cricket" oath to respect their opponents. The captains also signed the Spirit of Cricket Board as an attestation to play the game within the spirit of cricket.

Then the entertainment flowed with renowned star, UB40's Ali Campbell, performing the all-time hit song "Can't Help Falling in Love" supported by a troupe of dancers in colorful costumes.

Bjorn Again then took the centre-stage to entertain fans at the stadium and at home with ABBA's super hit song "Dancing Queen" accompanied by 16 dancers in retro costumes.

The Bollywood segment then kicked-off with Deepika Padukone performing to a medley of "Tonight's Going to be Good Night" from the "Black Eyed Peas", "Teri Adayein" from "Karthik calling Karthik", and "Twist" from "Love Aaj Kal", along with 40 dancers.

Hoola Hoop juggling artists then created the logos of the eight IPL teams using LED glow sticks and it was followed by a breathtaking laser show.

Legendary pop icon Lionel Richie performed his hit single "Dancing on the Ceiling" as all the artists and performers converged onto the centre-stage.

The curtains came down with a spectacular fireworks that lit up the Navi Mumbai as the focus was back on cricket again.