Bachchan, Ganguly Talk up Champions League Twenty20 2010

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Sreelata YellamrazuAug 7 2010

Amitabh Bachchan was an excited man, not at the launch of a Bollywood movie, but announcing the Champions League Twenty20.

amitabh bachchan sourav ganguly

The brand ambassador for the CL T20 spoke about the popularity of Twenty20, "

Just like every other Indian, all of us in the family love cricket. Time has become the big constraint in the new form of the game where a bowler has less number of overs to bowl and a batsman has to perform at his very best. This builds up excitement and in that sense the short format has been revolutionary."

Bachchan also spoke about the time he was advised by none other than Vinoo Mankad but ignored it not knowing who it was, "

I bowl with my left hand and am a right-hand batsman. I have fantasised about being the most important player in the team who helps it win with a six and receive undying adulation.

"Many years ago, there was a match between cricketers and film stars at the Brabourne Stadium and I was asked to bowl an over. I went through a few deliveries of my left-arm spin when the umpire suggested 'I think it would be better if you bowl from this side of the stumps'. I ignored his advice and went on to finish the over.

"Later, I asked someone who the umpire was and the reply was 'Vinoo Mankad'! I was so shocked. I would have jumped into a hole had there been one."

Sourav Ganguly also spoke on the occasion, "

The event will surely test the best of cricketers and to me it will also be a big opportunity for the young Rayudus, the Tiwarys, the Pandeys and the Murali Vijays to excel in the tough South African conditions."

Of his own stint as a cricket expert, Ganguly made light of it, "It will surely be an easier job than swinging the willow."

Ganguly also backed the Royal Challengers Bangalore to win the tournament.

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