- There is a definite reason why the Indian Premier League (IPL) T20 league is not only benchmarked as the most valued in the world of cricket but also considered one of the richest in the whole sporting firmament. The razzmatazz, the electrifying atmosphere, the blitzkrieg, the canvas, the grandeur, and the extremely smart marketing strategies adopted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have transformed the IPL into the much sought-after format by all the cricketers worth their salt in the cricketing world. So much so that several reputed and acclaimed international cricketers are foregoing central contracts from their respective boards to ply in the extremely lucrative, cash-rich IPL. Who can fault them, though?
PC: NewsBytes
- This preference for the IPL from the marquee cricketers has made the league what it is. However, people closely following the evolution of the format must have noticed how the league is increasingly becoming too batter-friendly over the years. Agreed, the paying public would wish to be entertained with fours and sixes raining non-stop. The batting is more glorified than the bowling, which cannot be disputed either. Even the T20 infrastructure is designed to aid the batting more than the bowling. Look not far from the shortened boundary lines, heavier bats designed to aid the batters, extremely flat pitches making batting a breeze, and most importantly, rules introduced to further help the batters. The impact substitute rule. Why?
PC: The Times of India
- The recipe for a perfect mauling of the bowlers and the fielding side is complete, you see. Further, the ongoing IPL has also showcased in no uncertain terms that the run-scoring abilities of the ten teams have leapfrogged leaps and bounds. Not so long ago, a score of 140-160 in 20 overs used to be considered a par one. And we have witnessed several matches that have gone to the wire when the team chasing the modest scores used to struggle to overhaul the same. Now, the power play overs are proving to be an extremely entertaining one, what with some of the teams scoring more than 80-90 runs. Unbelievable power hitting. The opening batters are going after the bowlers right from the first delivery, hitting marquee bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah/Jofra Archer for sixes.
PC: JioHotstar
- Not only that, teams are setting up scores more than 220/230/20/250/260 runs in the allotted 20 overs with consummate ease. What was once considered extremely unlikely has become the norm of late. Most astonishingly, the chasing teams are also easily overhauling the above 220 target with an over to spare as well. In other words, no score is insurmountable with the batters so certain about accomplishing the feat with some deliveries to spare. Spare a thought for the bowlers who are often at the receiving end. Yes, the T20 cricket lovers are basking in the deluge of fours and sixes. Think about it, any sporting event is about a keen contest. Are we losing this inherent undercurrent to exist and flourish for easy flamboyance? Looks like it.
