India''s famous win in the inaugral edition of T20 World Cup gave birth to Indian Premier League.  The editions of Indian Premier league played in India and later in South Africa  proved to be a grand success in terms of commercial success and popularity.  Champions League being played in India in Septmeber 2009 is an extension of the phenomenal success of Indian Premier League 2008 & 2009.

While the key factor behind formation of Indian Premier League and Champions League is money for the administrators, players and sponsors, it is likely to solve one of the major cricketing concerns in recent times.

Friendlier atmosphere between players:- Prior to IPL and Champions League, there was lot of acrimony between players belonging  to different countries.  Because of the competitive atmosphere these days and poor player behaviour especially those belonging to South Africa & Australia. Even the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid who are reputed for excemplary behaviour both on and off the field were not spared by South African players like Jacque Kallis and  Allan Donald to name a few.  Now with somebody like Jacque Kallis playing for Bangalore Royal Challengers initially led by Dravid and Ricky Ponting playing for Sourvav Ganuly's Kolkatta night riders, chances are there that the onfield acrimonies when they represent their countries in future is going to be less.  If India are to tour South Africa in future , Jacque Kallis will defintely have some sort of special affection for Dravid as both of them play for the same teams in IPL and Champions League.

The fact that Mathew Hayden said that he wanted to see Harbhajan Singh in India, or Harbhajan Singh expressing his desire to play with Andrew Symonds is certainly good news and one that is great for the game.

Though not intentional, Indian Premier League is going to usher in an era of onfield friendships between players of different countries

Regards

Satish