It is also referred to as the DLF IPL, to signify the company that is the prime sponsor for the tournament - DLF Limited.
Each team is owned by a franchisee who is a prominent personality or an industrialist. Initially, in 2008, the IPL was started with only 8 teams. After three successful tournaments, this year (2011), the IPL features 2 extra teams, making the total tally of 10 teams.
The teams and their respective city/state and owners are as follows:
The two teams marked with an asterisk are the new additions as of the 2011 edition of the IPL. The other eight teams have been playing ever since the beginning of the tournament in 2008.
Winners of the IPL in previous years
2008 - Rajasthan Royals
2009 - Deccan Chargers
2010 - Chennai Super Kings
2011 - As of April 11, 2011, competition currently in progress
Where are the matches held?
Each team has a home venue (ground) where they play each of their opponents once; likewise, each of the opponents hosts a match on its home ground.
Players and auction
Players who express interest in playing in the IPL tournament are entered into an auction, where the owners of the respective teams bid for a specific player and win his services. Players such as Dhoni, Sachin, Sehwag, and Kevin Pietersen - amongst others - are in high demand and are paid hefty sums by the franchisees to gain their services.
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