The Maharashtra Premier League (MPL) got underway with a glitzy opening ceremony, with actress Chitrangada Singh wooing the large crowd with a stunning performance at the MCA International Stadium in Pune's Gahunje on Wednesday.

The spectacular opening ceremony also featured a dazzling drone show and vibrant performances by various artists.

During the event, a tribute was paid to the tourists who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Two-time defending champions Ratnagiri Jets, 4S Puneri Bappa, PBG Kolhapur Tuskers, Eagle Nashik Titans, Satara Warriors and Raigad Royals are the teams participating in the MPL.

Speaking on the occasion, MCA President Rohit Pawar expressed gratitude to the large number of fans who turned up at the stadium. “The MPL 2024 received overwhelming support from fans, and I am confident we will see the same response this year too. Through this tournament, we expect to unearth even more talented players.”

Pawar further announced that all matches of the MPL will be broadcast live on Star Sports 2 and JioHotstar, ensuring fans outside Pune can also enjoy the action.

The league kick-started with several dignitaries in attendance, including Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) President Rohit Pawar, Hon. Secretary Adv. Kamlesh Pisal, Joint Secretary Santosh Bobade, MPL Chairman Sachin Muley, and Apex Council Members — Shubhendra Bhandarkar, Suhas Patwardhan, Raju Kane, Sunil Mutha, Vinayak Dravid, Sushil Shevale, Ranjeet Khirid, Keshav Waze, Ajay Deshmukh, Kalpana Tapikar, and MCA CEO Ajinkya Joshi, along with team owners, district association members, and dignitaries from the sports, political, and social spheres.

Free entry for all

To ensure that the general public can enjoy high-quality cricket, the MCA has announced that spectators will have free entry for all matches. This is the third straight year that the general public will have free entry to all the games. Free parking and free drinking water are some of the other facilities that will be available for fans at the MCA International Stadium.