I don’t know how it works for others, but when the Indian Premier League starts, it’s like someone presses pause on the rest of my life. Work, meetings, small everyday trifles — everything fades into the background. There’s only one thing on my mind: who’s playing today, in what lineup, at what stadium, and what time I have to be in front of the screen. Somewhere in the middle of all this madness, pari app come into own — like an extra spice in a dish that already explodes the taste buds. It’s not a way to “make money,” but a way to get a little closer to the game.

How it all started: from curiosity to addiction

I remember the first time I tuned into an IPL match. It was Rajasthan Royals. I tuned in out of curiosity, to see what all the fuss was about. Within minutes, I was on the edge of my seat. I was instantly captivated by the atmosphere: the light shows, the applause, the dynamics, the style of the players. They weren’t just playing, they were creating a spectacle. Cricket in India is not a sport. It’s a religion. And as someone who is always looking for something to really get hooked on, I found it.

Now every spring I start my own mini-preparation: I study the teams, track transfers, remember who played how last season. And when the season starts - that's it, the evening is scheduled. And this is not about sports statistics, it's about emotions that really overwhelm you.

And here is the very moment when the excitement turns on

Sometimes you watch a match and you clearly understand: “Here it is, the turning point. Something big is about to start.” And in such moments I can allow myself a little more than just rooting – I place a bet. Usually – moderately, within the limits of what I don’t mind. It’s like an agreement with myself: “I want to feel the game more deeply.” And indeed, the feeling changes. A bet doesn’t make you richer, but it turns you into part of the events.

You sit there, watching every ball, every change of position. There's a pit of excitement somewhere in your stomach, especially when the last overs are at stake and everything hangs by a thread. But that's the thrill. You're not just a spectator, you're an accomplice.

About platforms - briefly, but to the point

Now everything is done from the phone. I have a couple of proven apps that allow you to place bets on the IPL in literally a minute. It is important for me that everything is done without unnecessary fuss: open, place a bet, close. And that's it. If necessary, you can even react to what is happening during the match. Of course, I do not turn into an analyst, but in moments when I feel that the game is going "according to my scenario", I cannot resist.

There were times when I guessed right - and it's not about money, it's about delight. There were also misses - but then you just smile and think: "Okay, sport is unpredictable for that reason."

The finale is like a small celebration

The IPL final is always an event. I even have a ritual: invite a couple of friends, order Indian food, set out the drinks, turn on the big screen. Everyone is rooting for their team, we make noise, argue, tease each other. Some bet on the outcome, some on the best batsman. The atmosphere is like being at a stadium. And you know what’s the best? Even if your team loses, you’re still happy because you were in the epicentre.

It's one of those evenings when you don't want to post anything in your stories - you just want to be here and now.

The main thing is not to forget the essence

Betting is not a way to change your life, but a way to make the moment a little brighter. I always adhere to this rule. I am not interested in turning cricket into a calculator. It is, first of all, a soul, emotion, passion, culture. These are images - like Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli. These are dances, dust, sun, explosions of emotions after each six-ball strike.

For me, the IPL is like a window into another world. A world where there is always a holiday. And if sometimes this holiday can be enhanced by your own small bet - why not?

P.S. If you are a cricket fan like me but haven't watched the IPL yet, give it a try. And if you have, you know what I mean. See you on the screen when the trumpets sound again and the legends take to the field.