Welcome to kingdom of IPL...
IPL (Indian Premiere League) is the wonder child of today’s cricket world, which was given life by T 20 cricket format. It’s an Indian domestic cricket tournament with an International aroma. T 20 actually had its genesis in England domestic cricket circuit few years back and it was commenced manly to address the concerns of cricket fanatic, who don’t have time to spend a whole day for cricket. No one could have imagined in wildest dreams that their idea would lead to Billion Dollar TV contract to some cricket organisation in India.
Lalith Modi – A true visionary:
IPL is not even two years old, but it has become almost a Mecca of all international players. Quite understandable given its exposure to International talents all under one pool and also indubitably dollars associated to it. Lalith Modi was the man who transfigured his dream into a reality, making the event into a marketing fiesta. Even though his model is not something new and its almost a replica to English premier League Football tournament, the way he gave deft touches and ruffled Indian essence to it is most astounding.
Domestic cricket’s new look:
In the days where domestic cricket has lost its cynosure among audience of India, IPL has almost revamped the proceedings and given International viewership to India’s domestic cricket in even countries like New Zealand, South Africa and England. It has given a much needed life line for domestic players who were eclipsed because of oceanic depository India has in International bench. IPL Live turned into Billion dollar revenue model for BCCI, where they sold television rights to whopping amount of more than 1.03 Billion Dollar for span of about 10 years. Domestic cricket which had few less visitors including crows and sparrows have got much needed facelift.
And now to Controversies:
It’s not surprising such a billion dollar event had garnered huge controversies and spats. From cheer leaders to country cricket board IPL has almost got all ingredients to make a Hollywood movie. IPL effect was so alarming that many country cricket boards entered into some agreements with IPL, so that players give priority to their country than to IPL. English and Australian cricket boards have engaged in altercation with Indian Board but now resolved and put to peace.
The IPL effect:
IPL effect was huge in India, that Television soap Operas and Movies which are generally famous in India took a back seat and Bars which showcased IPL matches recorded a astounding increase in revenue. This year many theatres along with multiplexes have decided to screen IPL matches at least which involves its home teams. It had caused repercussions not just in India but it crossed borders. Bangladesh and Pakistan viewership skyrocketed given the fact some of their stars featured in Kolkata Knight Riders and other teams and majority were supporting Knight Riders. English people who had no idea of cricket were fascinated with entertainment of IPL and its fever was very much evident even in Sri lanka who were chiefly supporting Mumbai Indians owing to Sanath Jayasuriya.
Many people have raised their opinion against IPl and how it will be detrimental to growth of Test cricket, but IPL has given a much needed boost to cricket in general and it has brought in many youngsters into cricket which can be a priceless gift. Even in the time of recession, England players like Andrew Flintoff and Kevin Pietersen were sold for 1.55 Million $, which is more than enough to say IPL is a huge success and is here to stay.