The Champions League T20 starts in South Africa this week! I would be lying if I said I was not hurting while writing this newsletter. You will recall that RCB missed out on qualifying for this event by the narrowest of margins. I am sure it hurts you, our loyal fans, just as much as it hurts me. However we took many lessons from IPL5 and look forward to the new season with renewed energy and exciting plans.

In the meantime we can take much pride in watching RCB stars like Andrew McDonald (Uva Next) and Dirk Nannes (Lions) and our batting/fielding coach Mark O’Donnell (coaching Auckland) perform in the Champions League in South Africa. Unfortunately we will miss AB De Villiers performance in the Champions League as he is injured and will be unable to represent his South African franchise (The Titans).

Congratulations are in order for Virat Kohli who was recently named the ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year. Well done Virat, from all of us at RCB and all your fans! Once again, you have done us proud!

Hearty congratulations to the West Indies on winning the ICC World Twenty20 Tournament in Sri Lanka. Watching the final post match celebrations, I couldn’t help but wonder if Chris Gayle would do himself an injury while doing the “Gangnam” style dance and other moves.

As we move our focus to 2013, our attention shifts to potential new partners. Discussions and negotiations are under away for the next IPL.

Talking of the next IPL…the first 2013 IPL meeting for franchises takes place later this week. Yes – planning starts early for a world-class tournament like IPL. What do the next few months hold for RCB and IPL fans? Resolution of the Deccan Chargers issues? The possibility of a 10th IPL franchise? New brands on the jersey? The clock has already started ticking as we at RCB make our plans to make IPL 6 a most memorable and entertaining experience for all our fans.

Are you game for more?

Russell

VP-Commercial, Operations & Cricket Academy

Royal Challengers Bangalore