Create your own IPL team this season

Cricket buffs can now enjoy the thrill of owning an Indian Premier League (IPL) team by buying their favourite cricketers in a fantasy league and have a chance to win rewards based on their player's performances.

The IPL Fantasy League, starting from this season, is a virtual game that gives cricket fanatics the fun of being an IPL team owner, at no cost.

As the sixth edition of the IPL kicks off here tomorrow with the clash of defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Delhi Daredevils, hundreds of new virtual IPL team owners are already geared up to pit their cricketing knowledge and team composition skills against each other.

Available at the IPL's official website, the league provides a budget of 10 million dollars in fantasy currency, using which, one can create a virtual XI, by picking batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders and a wicket-keeper belonging to different IPL sides.

The virtual players comprising the fantasy team will earn points based on the actual performance of the real players in IPL matches. Points will be awarded for scoring runs, holding catches, effecting run-outs and taking wickets, among other performances.

Winners will be rewarded with match tickets and IPL merchandise. The fantasy team with the most points wins the league.

Netizens are free to select a name, motto and an emblem for their team.

The IPL Fantasy League works in two formats. In the Fantasy Championship, users will manage their teams throughout the IPL tournament, being allowed to make a limited number of substitutions within the constraints of the budget and the other rules.