MxMIndia

Tag: IPL

  • While the average TVR for the first 27 matches stood at 3.53 per cent, the ratings for the initial 26 matches played during IPL4 were at a TVR of 3.88 per cent

    27 matches later, IPL 5 is the lowest ever with 3.53 per cent TVR

    By a Correspondent

     

    The ratings for the first 27 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 5 are out. As per TAM Sports, CS 4+ years, All India, IPL5 continues to deliver lower ratings as compared to the previous seasons. While the average TVR for the first 27 matches stood at 3.53 per cent, the ratings for the initial 26 matches played during IPL4 were at a TVR of 3.88 per cent.

     

    The inaugural season (IPL1) continues to remain the highest viewed with a TVR of a whopping 4.80 per cent. Although these are still initial stages, what remains to be seen is whether the ratings show any improvement as the tournament progresses.

     

    Interestingly, while the cumulative reach has been increasing year on year, the cumulative reach for the first twenty seven matches in season five on the other hand has shown a reverse trend with a marginal decline as compared to the first three IPL seasons.

     

    It may be recalled that while the opening ceremony had received a mere 1.16 per cent of the TVR, the first six matches witnessed its lowest ever TVR in the history of the tournament. A number of factors have been attributed for the low IPL viewership this season – too much cricket, India’s dismal performance the Test and ODI matches against England and Australia and so on.

     

    According to Jacinta S Bhoite, Director, Minesweeper: “The ratings are certainly not good and there are a number of factors responsible for the low viewership. The entertainment factor seems to be missing this year, there is a perception among viewers that the matches are fully predictable and hence they continue watching their regular television programmes. However as the tournament progress, especially after the final four teams are selected, the ratings are expected to see some improvements.”

     

    Source : TAM Sports, Period : First 27 matches of all IPL Seasons, TG : CS 4+ yrs, Market : All India, Channel : MAX

     

    * In IPL 1 one match (47th) was abandoned due to rain
    * In IPL 2 two matches (7th & 13th)were abandoned due to rain
    * In IPL 4 one match (20th) was abandoned due to rain

     

  • Given the huge response to our feature tracking Sachin Tendulkar's career via Amul ads, here's bring you the IPL story via Amul ads

    The Anchor: 20 Amul ads that tell the IPL story

    By AN Chorrea

     

    There are many who believe that the Indian Premier League’s fifth edition is not as much of a rage as its earlier editions were, but there’s no denying that the IPL does dominate discussions in the advertising, marketing and media frat.

     

    Given the huge response to our feature tracking Sachin Tendulkar’s career via Amul ads, we dug into the archives to bring you these Amul ads on the cricketing league.

     

    1. On outstanding performers of Rajastan Royal Cricket team (Apr 2012)

     

     

    2. On the commencement of Indian Premier League 5 (Apr 2012)

     

    3. On BCCI terminating franchise of Team ‘Kochi Tuskers Kerala’ for default of payment (Sep 2011)

     

     

    4. On Chennai Super Kings winning the finals of IPL 4 (May 2011)

     

    5 .The West Indian cricketer in top form in IPL 4 (May 2011)

     

    6. Hype around the relationship between Shane Warne and actress Elizabeth Hurley (Apr 2011)

     

    7 .Preity Zinta’s cricket team winning an IPL match (Apr 2011)

     

    8. SRK performs after his team wins an IPL match (Apr 2011)

     

    9. At IPL auction last year, Saurav Ganguly was not bid for (Jan 2011)

     

    10. On the auction of cricketers ahead of IPL 4 (Jan 2011)

     

    11. On the termination of two IPL franchises from IPL 4 (Oct 2010)

     

    12. On the victory of Chennai Super Kings over Mumbai Indians in the IPL 3 final

     

    13. Controversy surounding IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi (Apr 2010)

     

    14. Several cricketers drop out of IPL due to injuries (Mar 2010)

     

    15. On the glamorous women being co-owners of some of the IPL teams (Mar 2010)

     

    16. Rain plays spoilsport during the IPL2 matches being played inSouth Africa(Apr 2009)

     

    17. Venue of IPL shifts fromIndiatoSouth Africa(Apr 2009)

     

    18. IPL cricketers in race for top positions – Delhi Daredevils batsman Gautam Gambhir top run-getter, Rajasthan Royals captain Shane Warne leading wicket-taker & Chennai Super Kings captian M S Dhoni bastman for the most boundaries segment (May 2008)

     

    19. Shah Rukh Khan sings for Indian Premier League (IPL) music video ‘Run Just Run’ his franchisee IPL Kolkata Knight Riders cricket team – (Apr 2008)

     

    20. Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisees ranging from Indian business tycoons to Bollywood stars bid for top Indian & International Cricketers during an amazing price auction (Feb 2008)

     

  • While the average TVR for the first sixteen matches stood at 3.65 per cent, the ratings for the same number of matches during IPL4 were at a TVR of 4 per cent

    First 16 matches of IPL5 score 3.65 TVR

    By A Correspondent

     

    The ratings for the first sixteen matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season five are out. As per TAM Sports, CS 4+ years, All India, IPL5 continues to deliver lower ratings as compared to the previous seasons. While the average TVR for the first 16 matches stood at 3.65 per cent, the ratings for the same number of matches during IPL4 were at a TVR of 4 per cent.

     

    The inaugural season (IPL1) continues to remain the highest viewed with a TVR of a whopping 5.08 per cent. Although these are still initial stages, what remains to be seen is whether the ratings show any improvement as the tournament progresses. Interestingly, while the cumulative reach has been increasing every IPL season, the cumulative reach for the first sixteen matches in season five showed a reverse trend with a marginal decline as compared to the cumulative reach it had in IPL4.

     

    According to Mr Ajay Rao, Vice President, Dentsu, these numbers are not surprising because they were expected to be lower than the previous seasons. He was also of the view that the GECs will not be impacted by IPL as most of the GECs have their own loyal viewers. “I don’t find the ratings surprising at all, these numbers were as per expectations. The opening ceremony itself was a damp squib which could perhaps be a sign of things to come. Once the initial glam is over, IPL5 could witness further decline in viewership. However, I don’t think GEC’s have much to worry about this season because over the years they have developed their own loyal viewers. Perhaps the challenge now for GECs is to not just focus on their loyal viewers but, find ways how to garner new viewers.”

     

    Source : TAM Sports, Period : First 16 matches of all IPL Seasons, TG : CS4+, Market : All India, Channel : MAX

     * In IPL 1 one match (47th) was abandoned due to rain, * In IPL 2 two matches (7th & 13th)were abandoned due to rain, * In IPL 4 one match (20th) was abandoned due to rain

     

  • Campaign featuring Rajasthan Royals players to be supported with brand activation and social and digital media to reach out to millions of cricket fans in the country

    HDFC Life’s new campaign propagates ‘Never Give Up’ attitude

    By A Correspondent

     

    HDFC Life, one of India’s leading private life insurance players, has unveiled a new advertising campaign featuring the players of Rajasthan Royals to promote and propagate its brand philosophy of ‘Self Respect’. HDFC Life has been associated with Rajasthan Royals for the fourth consecutive year as the Associate Sponsor.

     

    Commenting on the new campaign, Sanjay Tripathy, Executive Vice President and Head, Marketing and Direct Channels said: “Our campaign carries a simple yet compelling message. The theme is focused on the spirit of ‘Never Giving Up and Moving Forward to face all challenges’. With the new IPL season, the Rajasthan Royals’ commitment is focused on giving their best to the game. Their attitude is not solely to win or lose, but to perform for the team. In simple terms, they play with pride, self-respect and determination.”

     

    Mr. KV Sridhar, National Creative Director, Leo Burnett, said: “Through this simple ad, we have tried to showcase the significance of HDFC Life’s brand value ‘Sar Utha ke Jiyo’. When a team gets onto the field, full of zeal to perform their best, it doesn’t really matter what would be the result, but to play the game for pride and self-respect.”

     

    HDFC Life plans to drive the core essence of the association through different platforms and intensify the brand experience. It will drive a focused TV campaign on the news genre, followed by the movies segment to derive maximum visibility for the campaign on account of regular news updates on the IPL property. The campaign will be running along with exciting contests across prime multiplexes in India (Fame, Fun, Big Cinemas, Inox and Cinemax).

     

    In digital space, HDFC Life will leverage on the cricket frenzy season and drive users to a very engaging contest on Facebook. The users will not only get a chance to interact with the other cricket fans, but also get an opportunity to win exciting IPL Rajasthan Royals merchandise. The company, in partnership with Indiatimes and  Youtube IPL, will roll out a unique HDFC Life Zone to feature the Man of the Match, best batting innings and best bowling innings as the ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’ moments of the day. Through this unique partnership, HDFC Life intends to reach out to millions of consumers across the country.

     

    For the on-ground activation, HDFC Life ‘Game of Pride’, an interesting mall activation drive will be rolled out in two phases across four cities.

     

    Campaign Credits for Rajasthan Royals 2012:

    Creative agency – Leo Burnett, Mumbai

    Executive Creative Director -  Rajesh Mani

    Creative Director -  Manan Mistry

    Copywriter – Rajesh Mani, Akshay Seth and Shatrughan Tripathi

    Art Director – Manan Mistry

    Production House – Opticus Inc

    Director – Sanjay Shetty

     

  • Riding on the last year's success, ToppsIndiahas once again come out with Cricket Attax 2 to coincide with the IPL 5

    Will Cricket Attax be a hit once again?

    By Tuhina Anand

     

    In its first outing, Cricket Attax, the trading cards on Season 4 of IPL had become a rage among the kids. In fact, its success exceeded the expectation of Topps India Sports & Entertainment Company, the company that brought out the Cricket Attax playing cards.

     

    However, the cards became somewhat a religion especially among the 6-13-years-old, who were busy stocking and trading a Sachin Tendulkar or Shane Warne. It is learnt that last year, the company made millions and that too in double digits. Riding on the last year’s success, ToppsIndiahas once again come out with Cricket Attax 2 to coincide with the IPL 5.

     

    Talking about the product, Sanjeev Katyal, Country Head – Topps India Sports & Entertainment Company, said: “This is a seasonal product and cashes on the popularity of IPL. Last year was our first year with Cricket Attax and, encouraged by the success, we are hoping that this year we will do anything between 3 to 5 times more in terms of numbers. Keeping this as the target, we have tripled our distribution and the cards are available in modern trade, stationery and even in mom n pop stores.”

     

    A pack of 5 cards is priced at Rs15 and as Mr Katyal points that pricing is the key here as affordability is something they kept in mind, considering the TG they are targeting. However, the cards have been given a fresh look as the children will be looking at new stats, thus giving a new look and feel to Cricket Attax 2.

     

    The company has also come out with a new campaign to reach out to its TG, primarily television-led and Mr Katyal points that they have been among the largest spenders on TV in the gaming and toys category on the kids channels last year and will continue with it even this year.

     

    Though refusing to put a number on their marketing spends, he divulged that they take around 800-900 GRPs.  He said, “For the TG that we want to connect with, TV gives us the maximum reach hence that’s the medium we ride on heavily.”

     

    The communication for the TVC states “Hum IPL dekhte hi Nahin Khelte bhi hai boss”, thus conveying that these trading cards give an opportunity to the kids to not just watch the game of cricket but play with their favourite players  and be part of the game. Interestingly, Topps has planned an on-ground championship for Cricket Attax, thus creating a parallel tournament with IPL. The tournament began on April 21 in 9 IPL playing cities and will go to semi-finals and finals. The company has planned new product launches too this year.

     

  • Fever 104 FM proudly supports Delhi Daredevils for the fifth consecutive year and Mumbai Indians for the third year in a row

    Fever is Official Radio Partner of Delhi & Mumbai IPL teams

    By A Correspondent

     

    The teams have changed, the stakes have changed, but Delhi Daredevils’ and Mumbai Indians’ official radio partner in this IPL season has not changed, it is Fever 104 FM yet again. Through changing times and constant churn in the world of IPL, the partnership between GMR Sports and Fever 104 FM has stayed unmoved and ‘not out’!

     

    Fever 104 FM, country’s most sports friendly radio station proudly supports Delhi Daredevils for the fifth consecutive year and Mumbai Indians for the third year in a row.

    For this special association, Fever 104 FM has planned an on-air festival of cricket with some innovative programming to help bring the heroes closer to their fans in both the cities. From giving away match tickets every 104th minute, meet and greet with the players to original IPL merchandise, Fever 104 FM promises to give its listeners experiences that money can’t buy.

     

    While Mumbai campaign talks about ‘RJ Sidhu aur Mumbaikars Honge Ek’ where the evening show RJ will bring together the city to cheer for their home team; the Delhi station is running a campaign of ‘Daredevils Ke Damaad’, where the on-air contest winner gets an exceptional treatment during the match. Another unique campaign by the Delhi station is the ‘Junior Daredevils’ which involves an on-air battles of parents and the winner’s child gets selected to walk with the players till the field.

     

    Fever 104 FM believes the game to be a perfect fit with its brand positioning and beliefs inDelhiand Mumbai. Cricket is a religion across the country and there can be no better opportunity than IPL to leverage this advantage. The radio station has always presented the game in a very distinct manner and intends to take the cricket madness further and amplifying the same on radio with a strong local connect.

     

    Mr. Harshad Jain, Business Head- Radio and Entertainment, Fever 104 FM, said: “It is an honour for us to partner with two of the best IPL teams – Delhi Daredevil and Mumbai Indians. The format of the game is very entertaining and highly active. Our programming initiatives, too, are equally fun and exciting. We aim to provide a platform for our listeners that will help them engage with the IPL team members in an enjoyable manner”.

     

  • Created by O&M, the campaign proposition is of "internet is fun" to be substantiated by products that make internet fun to use on Vodafone network

    Vodafone pushes to access net via phone

    By A Correspondent

     

    Looking at growth opportunity in using internet on phones, Vodafone is pushing for this aggressively. Data shows that a sizable proportion of internet enabled phone owners do not use internet or have very low minutes of usage. To tackle this issue, Vodafone has come out with a campaign to drive usage and penetration of internet among Vodafone customers by simplifying usage experience and showing the fun possibilities of internet.

     

    Created by O&M, the campaign proposition is of “internet is fun” to be substantiated by products that make internet fun to use on Vodafone network.

     

    The brief given to the agency for the campaign is based on the core idea that internet and the mobile phone are ubiquitous in today’s world. The message communicated is to ensure that consumers get easier access to the internet and experience it in a simple and fun manner, on their Vodafone mobile phones. In short – The Internet is fun on Vodafone.

     

    “This also meant creating services, products and offerings that substantiate our proposition, which you will see unveiled over the IPL. We will be staring the campaign with an execution on the Opera Mini browser available on Vodafone that facilitates faster internet browsing as an added caveat – this campaign was for the IPL. Hence the creative execution needed to be different and have scale to break clutter and standout during IPL 5,” stated an official communique from Vodafone.

     

    “To deliver the ‘internet is fun on Vodafone’ promise we brought alive the Vodafone internet world in the form of huge, larger than life real games in a setting reminiscent of the Tele Matches. These games are set in a timeless space, with real people playing ridiculous games and generally getting together to have a fun time. And that provided the best metaphor for our proposition.”

     

    “each offering explains how Vodafone makes the mobile internet experience more fun and was brought to life with its own unique and absolutely fun game played between two teams. To bring out authenticity in the execution, the TVCs are set in a small village nearPragueinCzechoslovakiaand all the props are real and have been constructed for the films. And because the drama is happening in Czech, and english commentator explains the proceedings to the audience,” stated the communique.

     

    This is an 8 week long campaign. The campaign started with 3 teaser films on April 4 followed by the first TVC which aired on April 8. This is part of the 8 TVC’s on different products from Vodafone that make the internet experience on Vodafone fun. The campaign will be supported with a high decibel 360 media plan using TV, Radio, Print, Outdoor, on Ground and a digital and online plan.

     

  • Introduces a special edition of travel Polos and casual wear for KKR players and fans

    Freecultr selected by Kolkata Knight Riders as Official Casual Wear Partner.

    By A Correspondent

     

    With IPL fever hitting the nation, Freecultr, ‘premium casual wear, done right’, continues to innovate by co-developing and securing partnership between the Kolkata Knight Riders, owned by Shah Rukh Khan, Juhi Chawla, and Jay Mehta. This partnership fills a glaring void in sport-inspired lifestyle apparel in India- a range that is full lifestyle, but with strong inspiration and ties to sport as a category delivered with superior fabrics at reasonable prices.

     

    Freecultr launches its Sport collection with an exclusive edition of the KKR Official Travel Polo’s, Graphic T-shirts, and more KKR Official products to be launched and developed throughout the year. Freecultr has used KKR’s Purple, White, and Gold as the dominant theme to launch the exclusive collection, which not only reflects the spirit of the game but also connects with the sensibilities of the cricket lovers.

     

    Over the next few months, Freecultr Sport will also deliver a range of exciting and stylish lifestyle sport products for all customers. This exciting new category campaign will feature the tag line “Go Play!” and “Wanna Play?” and vivid imagery as its mantra.

     

    “We couldn’t be more pleased to launch our Freecultr Sport collection with the Official Casual Wear products for the Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR is a pre-eminent brand that stands for excellence and we are humbled to be chosen as its first Official Casual Wear Partner. This partnership reflects the trajectory and appeal of our brand and gives us much to be thankful for as we continue to grow. Epitomizing the competitive spirit of the game, we have designed our collection for KKR with a focus on style, colours, fabric, quality and affordability. We hope the team has a stellar season and wish them the greatest success in IPL5 and hopefully the Champion’s League.” said Sujal Shah, CEO and Co-Founder, Freecultr.

     

    “We are excited to announce our casual wear license agreement with Freecultr,” said Venky Mysore, MD/CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders. “The Kolkata Knight Riders prides itself in innovation and differentiation, and has decided to partner with Freecultr, as opposed to working with a supplier. Our main objective has always been to continually keep our fans engaged, excited, and delighted and we believe this partnership will give our fans an added sense of pride as they become the brand ambassadors of the Kolkata Knight Riders.”

     

    “Being a true lover and follower of cricket for years like most Indians, it’s heartening to be associated with this first of its kind innovative partnership. We are building our brand and product architecture keeping the new age consumer in mind. Tying up with a team like Kolkata Knight Riders is a perfect fit for Freecultr, and our main focus in designing the collection was to give the fans a feeling of belonging to the team and bring out the spirit and passion in fan support for KKR this season. We wish them luck for the coming season.” said Sandeep Singh, COO & Co-Founder, Freecultr.

     

    This partnership was ideated and co-developed The Wild East Group.

     

  • Sports fans can catch all the DLF IPL action real-time on their mobiles even when they are on the move.

    Watch IPL on mobile through Apalya

    Apalya Technologies, specializing in mobile video streaming delivering more than 150 plus million minutes and the leading mobile TV service provider for all telecom service providers will provide exclusive, mobile, video streaming for all the matches of the 5th edition of the IPL. This will be the 4th consecutive year for Apalya for IPL Streaming.

     

    Apalya Technologies, this year again, through its platform will enable sports fans to catch all the DLF IPL action real-time on their mobiles even when they are ‘on-the-move’. Subscribers will be able to watch it on the mobile through their existing mobile service providers, as Apalya has tied-up with all the leading telecom partners in India to enable the DLF IPL Mobile stream on the existing Mobile TV service. To avail this, subscribers can SMS TV to 58888.

     

    Speaking about this alliance, Vamshi Krishna Reddy, Co-founder & CEO, Apalya Technologies said, “We are happy to announce that we are yet again the Official Mobile Streaming Partner for IPL 2012.  This year we aim to cross 10 million subscribers with IPL V and expect the viewing minutes to more than double. Thanks to the evolving 3G network, better and stable 2.5G network coupled with advanced smart phone proliferation in the market, mobile TV has been a big success among consumers who are always on the go.”

     

    With emerging technologies and growing mobile video viewing habits, India records over 200 million video views a month on mobile devices and Apalya is all set to capitalize the opportunity to tap the interest of the youth, allowing them mobile video viewing for various popular events. During the World Cup season in April 2011, Apalya generated 17 TB of streaming and with close to 50 minutes of usage per user for the 6 matches India played. Currently, Apalya powers mobile TV for all the major telecom service providers in India and has also launched its services with leading operators in Sri Lanka & Indonesia.

     

  • TIL's dedicated IPL site, ipl.indiatimes.com, now offers interactive scorecards, high-definition streaming of IPL matches, DVR features, online radio commentary, video-on-demand facility, and 'Battleground' section

    TIL brings a bigger and better IPL season 5

    By A Correspondent

     

    Times Internet Limited (TIL), in partnership with YouTube, is back with a slew of new features to woo cricket lovers for the fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which starts on Wednesday.

     

    TIL’s dedicated IPL site, ipl.indiatimes.com, now offers interactive scorecards, high-definition streaming of IPL matches, DVR features (to rewind during a match), online radio commentary in partnership with AIR , video-on-demand facility, and an all new ‘Battleground’ section.

     

    Making its debut this year is the interactive 10 minute video show ‘Pitch Studio’, where fans can interact with stalwarts from the cricketing world including a former cricket team captain and expert, by posting their comments and questions on Facebook and Twitter. These pre-match shows will give a quick recap of past matches and talk about key events, with guest stars adding an element of surprise.

     

    “Having attracted a total of 72 million global views last year, we are looking to make IPL 2012 a lot more user-centric, giving user’s total control over their IPL viewing experience,” says Rishi Khiani, CEO, Times Internet Limited.

     

    In the ‘Battleground’ section, IPL fans can post their comments and also indulge in activities such as throwing tomatoes and eggs at the other side during a live match. The new DVR feature will allow fans to rewind on the time-line and watch any part of the match that they may have missed. Adding to all the fun is the cheerleader application, video scorecard that captures video highlights on the fly during the match stream, and the video-on-demand feature, which offers match highlights such as fours, sixes and face-offs between players.

     

    Given the phenomenal success of the Indiatimes platform during the previous IPL season, it’s no surprise that this year too, some of its heavy weight sponsors including Maruti, Coca Cola, and Samsung, have put their weight behind TIL as premium sponsors.

  • As the Indian Premier League begins today, the MSL Group has taken a step back and given the game, the quickie format and the hype around it a good, hard look.

    Brand IPL needs to play innings of its life: MSL Group report

    By A Correspondent

     

    MSL Group’s executive report on the Indian Premier League, its ups and downs and the viability of continuing, concludes that if Brand IPL has to remain a smash hit, it must work its strategy carefully.

     

    When it began, the league made a splash and wowed India with the razzle-dazzle of intensively commercial cricket. Then came the slide downwards with slackening viewer interest leading to falling ratings, followed by the scandal that surrounded allegations of favouritism and money-laundering.

     

    “There’s no denying that Brand IPL is on choppy waters. It will have to steer clear of fresh controversies, reflect on mistakes and rectify the damage as much as it can. Most importantly, it needs to win back the confidence of stakeholders. As Season 5 unfolds from April 4, 2012, the BCCI will need a stronger game plan to rejuvenate the brand,” says the report.

     

    Quoting media sources including reports from MxMIndia, the MSL report mentions instances of prominent sponsors pulling out, questionable ownership patterns, and the big one – runaway costs. “Keeping the wage bill in check and managing revenues will mean the difference between survival and falling by the wayside,” says the report.

     

    Brand IPL has other problems too, such as controversies galore, falling TRPs, and overly high ad rates. Yet, the report concludes, “There must be something right with a sports property that, despite a fall in valuation, is worth more than $3.5 billion. By its second year, the IPL was thought to be the fifth largest sports brand, just smaller than FIFA and bigger than Wimbledon and F1.”

     

    An integrated communications approach, the sheer advertising benefit of being on the IPL bandwagon, the fact that sports sponsorships do work well, and the Indian cricket fan’s conveniently short memory are opportunities in the IPL’s favour, the report remarks.

     

    In fact, while other sports such as hockey and wrestling are trying to emulate cricket’s league success, the fact is that India has been loyal to cricket for far too long, and grabbing those eyeballs will be a “massive challenge”.

     

    The full report can be read here:

    http://www.slideshare.net/mslgroup/indian-premier-league-still-a-smash-hit-for-advertisers

     

    Image courtesy: http://www.facebook.com/IPLSTARS

  • Every Thursday, Ranjona Banerji will write about a grouse. Either spewing venom or tongue-in-cheek

    [MJR] Breakfast with Bollywood and other abominations

    By Ranjona Banerji

     

    Suppose (warning, blasphemy follows) you’re the kind of person who doesn’t manage to read a newspaper in the morning before you leave for work so you keep the TV on to get the latest through “breakfast news”.

     

    This is what I found out today: Katy Perry sang and danced and was looking for curry and something in India, said NDTV.  IPL season 5 starts with a match between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Ravi Shastri said Chennai was going to win and Moody said Mumbai was going to win, both on Times Now. Headlines Today said that Akshay Kumar is acting in a new film directed by Prabhu Deva called Rowdy something.

     

    Given the high drama on TV the night before over the $10 million bounty on Hafiz Saeed’s head placed by the US, I foolishly thought (it’s amazing how foolish I feel when I watch TV) that there would be some more on that. Not on Times Now at any rate.

     

    NDTV had a thought-provoking report on trafficking of young girls and women from West Bengal, being led into brothels in Pune, Mumbai and Delhi. Anderson Cooper 360 was largely focused on the Republican primaries. The BBC was on Newsday, so that’s bits from here and there, with plenty on China and something on the new James Bond film (I didn’t stop long enough to watch that, had had enough of films thanks to Headlines Today).

     

    That left CNN-IBN who told me everything I wanted to know about Hafiz Saeed and Pakistan’s reaction to the US bounty.

     

    My grouse therefore is that I was wrong yesterday for castigating newspaper websites for being too full of cricket and Bollywood and giving TV a clean chit. Or is my grouse that websites are deceptive? Something like that.