Glitzy openings for the 2016 IPL season

Katrina Kaif and other Bollywood stars gave the Indian Premier League a grand opening in Mumbai.

MUMBAI (Diya TV) — The ninth edition of the Indian Premier League kicked off Friday with a star-studded and glittering opening ceremony at the National Sports Club of India.

Cricketers from around the globe, entertainment stars and other dignitaries were all on hand for the 120-minute program as the country’s T20 tournament kicked off. Bollywood actress and Sri Lanka native Jacqueline Fernandez got things started with a dance, performing renditions to the tunes of “Yaar Na Mile Te Mar Jawan,” “Party On My Mind,’ and “Sooraj Dooba Hain.”

The young and talented Kings United group immediately followed her performance, partnering with dancers from Nalasopara showcased their skills and flexibility to the assembled crowd in the stands.

The captains of the eight teams in IPL 9 during the opening ceremony

Actress Katrina Kaif, with the help of some lucky young boys and girls, performed dance renditions to her famous numbers, “Dhoom 3,” “Bang Bang,” and “Afghan Jalebi Yaa Baba.” Dwayne Bravo danced and also sung his song “Champion.”

Former India cricket star Ravi Shastri then invited the captains of all eight franchises to join him on stage to take MCC’s Spirit of Cricket pledge. The captains signed the pledge, which dictates they will maintain the spirit of the game throughout the tournament. IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla subsequently then inaugurated the ceremonies, and welcomed all in attendance with an address.

“On behalf of Board of Control for Cricket in India, I would like to welcome all for the IPL opening ceremony. IPL 9 will be better and best compared to other editions. IPL is not about just entertainment… it is about cricket all the way. Like the league has brought up young talents, this year will also do so. We will do all is needed to help the Maharashtra farmers and do everything in their interest,” he said.