2013 IPL Cheerleaders: The Glamour Factor of IPL

2013 IPL cheerleaders has added a flavor of glitz and glamour to the already extravagant event of cricket. We love cricket or rather we worship it and follow it like a religion. To bring the much needed innovations in the cricketing scene, the twenty20 format was introduced. And very soon the IPL followed. Since the IPL and its format was a fairly new concept the organizers wanted to ensure that it attacked huge crowds. Therefore, the concept of cheerleaders was introduced. It sprinkled glamour and increased the entertainment quotient of the IPL 6. The sizzling and beautiful cheerleaders won the hearts of fans across the country. The girls that we see dancing on screen are highly trained and talented dancers who professionally pursue dancing. Another interesting fact about the IPL Cheerleaders is that back home they are bankers, teachers and homemakers.

The IPL has brought many innovative changes in the cricket. Other than the T20 format, we have the homogenous team combinations and pretty IPL cheerleaders who make the game all the more interesting to watch. Stagnancy is not good for any sport so whenever we get a chance to bring in changes we should not hesitate. We should also be prepared that it is going to be the time for people sinking in the changes.

2013 IPL Cheerleaders: Who are They?

Although we all enjoy the presence of the cheerleaders yet we wonder who they are where have they come from? Let us now get to know the cheerleaders of our teams. These are all working women who are highly talented and are trained to be professional cheerleaders. Most of them have come from countries like South Africa, Ukraine, Russia, Belgium and Norway. They are all working women who are aged between 19 to 23 years. After talking to them, it was concluded that it was not just the good money that brought these pretty girls to India, rather the rich Indian culture was the major reason. To get selected to become a part of the high profile job they had to get through several written tests and interviews. It was also found out that most of them were fond of the Indian traditional dresses and jewellery. Such bunch of talented young girls make up the IPL cheerleaders.

The BCCI launched the IPL or the Indian Premier League in 2008. Taking a clue from the U.S Soccer BCCI introduced the concept of cheerleaders in Indian Cricket. Needless to say it caught the attention of the fans all over the country. People accepted the concept readily and became an indispensable part of the IPL. Every team has its own group of cheerleaders. Whenever a player of their team hits a boundary they all dance to the tunes of their theme song and different other tunes. Taking the other side of the story, there was section of the fans who thought that this was not a healthy concept as it would distract the players as well as fans. It was said that it would also demean and objectify women.

The IPL Cheerleaders & The Uniforms

All the teams in the IPL 2013 have their own cheerleading groups. Each cheerleading team has custom designed outfits which go with the team's spirit. In the first few seasons of IPL, the cheerleaders were seen mostly in the western outfits. A few seasons later the team owners started experimenting with the uniforms of the cheerleaders and dressed them up in traditional Indians dresses like saree. While this is yet to be seen what type of dresses the IPL 2013 is going to get yet the rumors are already abuzz. Every team hires a designer to ensure that the cheerleaders of their team look the best. The fashion police carefully watches what type of uniforms are been worn by the girls. Many teams invite the wrath of fashion police for not dressing up their cheerleaders properly.

IPL Cheerleaders: Unethical and Unnecessary?

It has been said that IPL Cheerleader concept was against the very core of Indian values and traditions. Girls in minimal clothes, dancing indecently was rendered unethical by a section of society. There was much hue and cry over the fact that this would be disrespectful to women as it would objectify them. Some people also felt that these dancing girls would distract the players and will ultimately hamper their performance. While the others had issues regarding their dresses, which as per them were really indecent. We are very careful here not to take sides as all of us are entitled to have our own opinions. In India we are free to voice our feelings and opinions. While we have all the right to voice what we feel we should also be aware that others have that right too. Well all said and done cheerleaders are an important part of the IPL and looks like they are here to stay.

IPL Cheerleaders and Controversies

Well when we are talking about IPL or anything remotely related to that we are sure to talk about some controversy. IPL cheerleaders came under the immense scrutiny when one of the cheerleaders wrote something controversial on her blog. Gabriella Pasqualotto came into news when she secretly blogged about the flirty behavior of the players after match parties, that were thrown for the entire team. She roped in some high profile names which upset the BCCI and she was sacked with immediate effect. She quoted as saying that they were treated like 'practically walking porn' which was demeaning. She said she was contemplating legal action and was really upset that she was fired for speaking the truth.

At the end it can be said that all these opinions makes the entire thing all the more interesting to watch. No matter what some people might feel about cheerleading, but it sure has made IPL more entertaining. As they say that 'beauty lies in the eyes of beholder', maybe it does. If we see girls as professional dancers doing their job, we might be able to enjoy it without being judgmental. Well what is cricket without a little controversy? We hope that the spirit of cricket remains intact and we get some high quality cricket in the days to come.