Akshay to lead entertainment blitz at Kotla

NEW DELHI: Delhites will be feted to some breathtaking action stunts by Bollywood star Akshay Kumar when Delhi Daredevils host Rajasthan Royals at the Ferozshah Kotla Stadium in their first Indian Premier League (IPL) match on Saturday.

Delhiites will enjoy a gala evening as best of cricket and entertainment will unfold under the newly installed floodlights.

Akshay, the brand partner of Delhi Daredevils, will be the star attraction of the Saturday evening match when Virender Sehwag-led Daredevils open their campaign against Shane Warne's Rajasthan Royals.

Akshay, well-known for his on-screen daredevilry, will be present in the stadium Saturday to cheer the team and will lead the mega entertainment blitz put together by GMR Sports, the owner of the team.

"T20 cricket format provides wholesome entertainment to the cricket fans. We have planned a variety of entertainment programmes, including music and dance and Daredevil acts," said B. Vanchi, advisor on corporate strategy, GMR Group.

The team owners said they have roped in artistes from Thailand and Australia to accompany Akshay in the entertainment blitz.

"We are providing a complete entertainment package aimed at creating a unique experience for cricket fans, and Akshay will lead the package," said GMR Sports chief executive officer Yogesh Shetty.

Shetty said: "Fans will be treated to some breathtaking stunts at Kotla tomorrow."

All the eight teams of the Twenty20 league have involved movie stars, dance performers, rappling artists, cheerleaders and base jumpers to entertain the spectators present at the stadium on all the match days.