IPL-II shimmers with a gala parade in South Africa

Cape Town, April 16 (ANI): Two days ahead of the second inning of Indian Premier League tournament commencement, a gala carnival got the mega event off to a festive start on Thursday.

Star players-- Brett Lee, Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist, Kevin Pietersen, Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya-and high profile franchise owners today converged on an overcast day in South Africa's most scenic city.

The high profile owners of various teams present during the carnival included Shah Rukh Khan of Kolkata Knight Riders, Priety Zinta-Owner of Punjab Kings XI, Shilpa Shetty-Co-owner of Rajasthan Royals.

Commissioner of the cash-rich league Lalit Modi was also present, where all the teams were parading on the streets of Cape Town.

All players looked to be in good spirits, soaking in the attention.

Even though the Indian league was shifted to South Africa, the crowds were making the street lively like in India.

Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings and defending champion Rajasthan Royals face Bangalore Royal Challengers in the opening match on April 18. (ANI)