What IPL 2012 is missing

So the fifth edition of the IPL is upon us. Kochi Tuskers have come and gone, Chennai Super Kings have established themselves the most consistent side, and we tune in again to witness all the excitement and glitz that is the most international of all domestic cricket competitions. Yet, there are some elements missing, and the IPL just isn't the same without them.

Shane Warne Love him, hate him, or just fancy his girlfriend, you can’t deny Warnie is a giant loss to the IPL. His spin was a draw card, his captaincy a boon, and his cut down, trimmed up figure had us all hoping to look that good on the other side of 40. Brad Hogg has joined Rajasthan Royals as their token senior Australian, but it's a tough task moving ahead without Warnie.

Pune's black shirts Last year, aside from their cricket, Pune Warriors got it right. They had Yuvraj Singh and then Dada, fierce names befitting the ‘Warriors’, and an equally mean playing getup in jet black. This year, they've come out in an off-teal colour, which just adds a new variation to the overdone blue. Bring back the black!

Modi's wardrobe Who needs Paris or Milan when former chairman Lalit Modi appeared at each match in a new designer suit? The IPL displays Twenty20 prowess which most of us can only dream of, cheerleaders we will never date and, at one time, Modi’s suits were another nail in the coffin of all things lofty and unattainable for the regular fan.

The Pakistani contingent No true IPL fan can claim they're happy without the players from Pakistan. Politics aside, the likes of ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi, Umar Gul, and Navad-ul-Hasan would definitely spice up the competition. It would be fantastic if the issues that be are resolved, and in 2013 we see the Pakistan players out there on the field.

More media time DLF Maximums, Karbonn Kamaal Catches and Citi Moments of Success aside, I think the BCCI are missing a few opportunities to sell more naming rights. Perhaps dropped catches could be dubbed 'XYZ [insert petroleum company] Spills'? Just more marketing for the likes of Danny Morrison and Ravi Shastri to get their tongues around.

Preity Zinta Yes, I know she’s still around, and I know we see her during the coverage, but in my opinion, you can never see enough of this gorgeous Bollywood star. With any luck, Kings XI Punjab will win a few more matches, make the finals, and the dancing, smiling Preity will stay on our televisions for a little while longer.

The IPL is a great tournament, and maybe I’m just being overly sentimental. Possibly the above list is too much to ask for. So, I guess, as long as Shah Rukh Khan continues to strut his stuff and the boys continue to entertain on the field, I will be a happy fan.