The inaugural edition of Mumbai T20 League kicked off on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium with Ajinkya Rahane-led North Mumbai Panthers taking on Iqbal Abdulla's ARCS Andheri.

Before the first game, on Saturday, Sunil Gavaskar looked a bit upset at the prologue of the league. The league commissioner, Gavaskar was called on the stage after league ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, and Dilip Vengsarkar, who is the chief mentor. Bollywood stars Sonali Bendre and Shreyas Talpade were hosting the event.

Called upon for the oath-taking ceremony along with the six captains on the stage, Gavaskar began his speech on a serious note, saying: “I have two questions for Sonali and Shreyas.”

When Shreyas asked “if it’s a googly,” Gavaskar responded quickly, saying: “No it’s not a googly. Sonali, you said so much about me and as an opening batsman, etc., but you called me at this number (No. 3) to bat today?”

The hosts tried to calm down things but Gavaskar got a little more serious and said: “Why are you laughing. Shreyas, you have worked in a cricket film...then.” “Mafi kara, mafi kara (I beg your pardon),” said Sonali. Later, Gavaskar revealed he was joking.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Gavaskar further said, "There will be zero tolerance for anything that brings the game into disrepute. Its integrity should be maintained at all times. Play the game hard but fair. There should be no animosity between players and there should be respect for the opposition and umpires. You play to win but not at all costs,"