- Cricket connoisseurs around the world would be envied looking at the way the Board of Control for Cricket in India has marketed the sport with such smartness, finesse, and far-sighted policies. No wonder, the popularity, reach, and following of cricket in India has reached stratospheric levels raking in unprecedented moolah further enriching the already rich Board in the cricketing world. No one is complaining though as the Indian cricketers at every level are getting due remuneration as well as world-class infrastructure to ply their chosen trade with great aplomb. Remember, cricket took off unimaginably soon after Team India won the Prudential World Cup in 1983. Some smart moves from the BCCI ensured cricket assumes the role of a religion in India.
PC: The Indian Express
- As the BCCI became the envy of cricket cricket-playing world, the Indian Board did not rest on the laurels coming its way. When the shortest format of the game T20 was still in a nascent stage, the BCCI hit upon the idea of introducing the Indian Premier League. We know how the IPL has emerged not only as the premier T20 league in the world but also considered one of the richest in the entire sporting world itself in a decade or so. The amount of money pouring into the league is unbelievable as the sponsors line up to be a part of the mega event knowing fully well from the assured mindboggling eyeballs. The franchises part of the IPL is equally contributing to the growth of the league by constantly striving to scale up.
- The humongous success of the IPL also has thrown open the doors for thousands of aspiring Indian cricketers from mofussil areas who can land lucrative contracts with the franchises. As you are aware, the players’ auction associated with the IPL always receives tremendous attention from all concerned. The lure of the lucre is too huge to look aside, you see. No wonder, several established international cricketing superstars will not mind quitting their country’s central contracts to ply their trade in the cash-rich IPL. There are any number of cricketers who have simply foregone the option of even representing their respective countries when offered a chance to play in the IPL. Such is the popularity of the IPL.
PC: Mashable ME
- The unparalleled popularity of the IPL was firmly established yet again recently during the player auction held in Dubai. Some of the players landing up with astonishing contracts make one wonder if it is worthwhile to splurge huge amounts to sign up marquee players. Can you believe the Australian left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc was signed up for 24.75 crores by Kolkata Knight Riders? Sunrisers Hyderabad splurged 20.5 crore on Australian captain Pat Cummins. A few other T20 specialists from other countries have also landed lucrative contracts. The moot point to ponder over here is whether such a large amount on offer is warranted. The franchise think tank would readily vouch that every penny spent on acquiring cricketers is worthy. No questions asked.
