Mumbai, March 22 -- As the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicks off on Saturday, BJP MP Anurag Thakur praised the tournament's impact on cricket and employment while also emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a TB-free India.

"IPL season 18 is about to begin. IPL has become one of the biggest leagues in the world in cricket. Thousands of people are employed and emerging players get a platform," Thakur told ANI.

Alongside the IPL festivities, Thakur highlighted a crucial social initiative, stating, "On the other hand, PM Modi has given the slogan of TB-free India. Today, politicians and actors will play an awareness match to remove the stigma around TB."

Meanwhile, the much-anticipated IPL action will beg...