IPL to endorse MCC's spirit of cricket initiative

To play the gentlemen’s game of cricket in right spirit and in the right way The Indian Premier League (IPL) has planned to bring all the eight IPL teams featuring in the inaugural tournament together to sign a ‘Spirit of Cricket’ declaration at the opening ceremony function on April 18 when Bangalore Royal Challengers will play Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match.

Announcing the partnership between IPL and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to support the MCC ‘Spirit of Cricket’ initiative in Mumbai on Wednesday, MCC’s secretary & chief executive, Keith Bradshaw, said, "We are delighted that the DLF Indian Premier League is embracing the MCC Spirit of Cricket initiative right from the outset."

“The Spirit of Cricket is a worldwide concept that influences all players of the game, from grassroots to the elite level. We are looking forward to a league full of cricket played in the right way,” Bradshaw added.

All the eight IPL franchises will ink an MCC spirit of cricket declaration during the opening ceremony in Bangalore to show their commitment to maintain the spirit of the game.

According to IPL commissioner and chairman, Lalit Modi, "All cricketers playing in the inaugural IPL are role models for youth and it is vital for youngsters across the globe to learn straightaway the values of this great game and the spirit in which it should be played.”

“It is great to be linked with the MCC, which is the guardian of the Laws of Cricket," Modi added.