Dhaka, March 27 -- The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League gets underway in Bengaluru on Saturday, a touch lighter on overseas firepower but buoyed by a confirmation of its robust financial health this week.

A high-profile consortium has acquired Royal Challengers Bengaluru for an eye‑watering $1.78 billion, while another is splashing $1.6 billion to take control of Rajasthan Royals - reminders of the enduring pull of the world's richest T20 league.

That financial muscle, coupled with the league's administrative clout, ensures the 10-team competition proceeds with its usual pomp even as the Pakistan Super League across the border opens behind closed doors, citing a fuel shortage linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

On...