IPL 2016: Virbhadra Singh to watch Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab match in Dharamsala

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh would watch the IPL match between Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in May at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium in Dharamsala. Bollywood star Preity Zinta, also the owner of Kings XI Punjab, has extended the invitation to the Chief Minister and he would be present in the first match at Dharamsala on May 7, Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma said. He said the government would extend full support and provide security for the matches. The Minister also said he had apprised Singh of the IPL matches and he agreed to be present for the match. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Mumbai Indians vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2016, Match 43 at Dharamsala

Meanwhile, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Preity Zinta feels that every year problems related to the Indian Premier League (IPL) “do affect” the franchise as a brand and its business as the cash-rich league has become some sort of a “whipping boy”. “Yes, it does affect the brand and it is unfair to the owners. It affects our business as every year there is some controversy or some rumours that come up. I believe at one level IPL has become a whipping boy for many,” Zinta told PTI during an interaction on the issue of Maharashtra drought that led to shifting of 13 matches. It must be noted that in 2013, IPL was rocked by spot-fixing scandal due to alleged involvement of three Rajasthan Royals cricketer including former India international turned politician S Sreesanth. Preity Zinta: IPL has become a whipping boy for franchises

In 2014, IPL’s first half was held in United Arab Emirates due to the general elections in the country. In 2015 after the IPL was held, two franchises CSK and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two years for their involvement in spot-fixing scandal. The well-known Bollywood actress feels that it has been unfair as IPL has not only provided a platform for the emerging talent, but also created a window for franchise-based leagues in other sports in the country.