Mumbai, Mar 20 (IANS): American pop star Katy Perry will be performing live for the first time in India during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Opening Nite to be held at the YMCA Grounds, Chennai, April 3.

IPL said in statement that Katy will help flag off the fifth season of the cricketing league in her trademark style.

"We look forward to Perry's participation at the DLF IPL 2012 Opening Nite. A performer of her calibre makes the occasion even more special for the IPL family - players, organisers and fans. The verve and originality of her music matches that of the competition and we look forward to an inspired performance from her," IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla said in a statement.

The IPL will be held April 4-May 27 and will feature 76 games across 12 venues. The IPL offers $2 million as prize money to the winning team and $1.5 million to the runners-up, making it one of the world's most lucrative sporting leagues.