
Major pedigree —
Darren Clarke, British Open winner in 2011, was one of the high-profile players to play in the Pearls Golf Premier League. As well as Northern Ireland's Clarke, two-time major winner Angel Cabrera and former U.S. Open champion Michael Campbell also took part. Clarke's Uttarakhand Lions won the inaugural event, with the franchise paying $55,000 for the veteran's services.

Asian stars —
Nirat Chapchai played alongside Clarke for the Uttarakhand Lions. Thailand's Chapchai is a four-time winner on the Asian Tour and won the European Tour's TCL Classic in 2007.

Classy Cabrera —
Like Clarke, Cabrera also fetched $55,000 at the pre-tournament player auction. The Argentine was signed by the Maharashtra 59'ers.

Bollywood glamor —
The Indian Premier League is a short-form 20 over cricket competition. The T20 format attracts more glitz and glamor than cricket's traditional five-day matches. Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan is a part owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, which won the IPL in 2012.

Hero's welcome —
The Kolkata Knight Riders are welcomed back to the city after winning the IPL last year. The 2013 competition begins in April.