IPL organisers could have capatalised on the T20 event’s 500th match at the Brabourne Stadium yesterday, but that was certainly not the case. Firstly, the empty seats were a huge dampener. After all, it is rare to see seats lying vacant during an IPL match. The organisers also wasted an opportunity to make the occasion momentous for those at the venue. There was anticipation over the milestone match especially after it was discussed during the last IPL Governing Council meeting in New Delhi on April 20. All that was done was a short audio-visual on the big screen which was a flashback of all seven IPL editions. 

A cloudy sky greets the players and support staff of Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Daredevils prior to their Indian Premier League-8 game at the Brabourne Stadium in Churchgate, Mumbai yesterday. The Cricket Club of India will host two more games -- Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 7 and Kolkata Knight Riders will face Rajasthan Royals on May 16. Pic/Suresh KK