- A mere mention of cricket in India elicits a tremendous response, including animated and passionate, bordering on inexplicable craziness, which is not new for those deeply invested in the sport. As you are aware, cricket is considered no less than a religion in India for its unparalleled popularity, unimaginable following, and unbridled entertainment quotient associated with the game, making it irreplaceable from the collective conscience of Indians. The craze for the game is seen to be believed. Of course, the extremely popular Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 tournament has become such a vastly followed game that the league is considered one of the most lucrative in the entire sporting world. Understandably, no cricketers wish to skip the IPL for obvious reasons.
PC: The Indian Express
- The extremely entertaining and ever-popular IPL is in its eighteenth edition, dishing out some of the most spectacular performances from internationally acclaimed cricketers. As far as Indian cricket is concerned, one of the most telling outcomes of the league is the opportunities presented to the local players to rub shoulders with the proven performers representing different countries but playing as one team in the franchise-based league. The wannabe Indian cricketers possessing unquestionable talent are offered opportunities to ply their trade in the league. Several hitherto unheard-of cricketers are provided with a great platform to showcase their skills while also allowing them to rub shoulders with the internationally acclaimed players. A win-win situation.
PC: BBC
- Since the popularity of the league has crossed boundaries and reached stratospheric heights, the accompanying revenue generated from the tournament is humongous. The Board of Control for Cricket in India must be lauded for ensuring the league keeps scaling up in terms of ingenuity, entertainment quotient for the paying public, and introducing innovative measures to make the viewing/watching a pleasurable experience. Little wonder, parents are not holding back in pushing their wards to take up cricket as a viable career at a very young age, knowing fully well that breaking into a franchise would mean a lucrative future awaits. A truly memorable season or two means a cricketer’s life as a professional is on the right path.
PC: Lucknow Super Giants
- So much so that a good IPL outing invariably enhances the chances of domestic cricketers to have a crack at the national selection. Of course, any sportsman must be disciplined, determined, focused, and blessed with a levelheaded approach to go through the unavoidable ups and downs. Losing focus will only result in ignominy since the competition to break into even a franchise is tremendous what with scores of talented cricketers waiting in the wings. It must warm the cockles of the BCCI mandarins to look around such a huge pool of talented cricketers eagerly wanting to ply their trades. It’s an enviable position to be in, and the BCCI would not mind flaunting its richness, literally. The 18th edition is living up to its expectations, dishing out memorable stuff.
