IPL: Redefining Cricket in India

The idea of having players from different countries/nationalities, represent regional franchises/teams was just brilliant. It also became a launch pad for many talented players to directly move to international arena. For the sheer novelty of its format, IPL continue to be a good contribution to International cricket. IPL has truly changed the skill set with which cricket is played these days and that makes the audience wait for this event every year.

I. Introduction:

• A professional Twenty20 cricket league in India contested during April and May of every year.

• The IPL is the most-attended cricket league in the world and ranks sixth among all sports leagues.

• The brand value of IPL was estimated to be US$4.5 billion in 2015 by American Appraisal.

• The 2015 season contributed ₹11.5 billion (US$182 million) to the GDP of the Indian economy.

• Duff & Phelps added that the value of brand IPL has jumped to $4.16 billion after the 2016 edition, against $3.54 billion in 2015.

II. Key Facts:

• Administrator: IPL Governing Body, BCCI
• First Tournament: 2008
• Number of Teams: 8
• Current Champions: Sunrisers Hyderabad
• Most Successful Teams: Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians (2 titles each)
• Most Runs: Virat Kohli
• Most Wickets: Lasith Malinga
• Prize Money: US$5.9 million (2015)

III. IPL: How Good How Bad!!

A. Good for Indian Cricket

• A rich pool of players are available who can play international level cricket. Also, the level of our cricketers has gone higher with cross cultural diverse learning. 

• IPL also gives great amount of money to BCCI through which  it has been able to develop infrastructure for junior level cricket or women cricket.  

• IPL is a good platform for cricketers for earning money and now cricket is a good career option.

• The IPL has made cricket more popular than ever. It has brought a revitalization to the game with people feel more interested in IPL matches than test or ODI matches.

B. Bad for Indian Cricket

• IPL is moving away from its main goal of improving the domestic cricket. Indian team selected on basis of IPL performance means Ranji trophy and other tournaments become irrelevant.

• Team management itself is indulged in match fixing and spot fixing issues and this is a serious question on the ethical values.

• The main focus of the game has become a business rather than improving the status and pride of the Cricket.

• Players may feel demotivated to play for the national team and will leave no stone unturned to perform during IPL matches. We often see senior players are rested from national duty and not from IPL. IPL makes the cricket schedule very hectic.

• IPL has entered into lot many controversies and also dooming down with the recent ban on two teams. IPL might fade away from the Cricket World very soon.
  

C. Good for Indian Economy

• Development of tier II cities where IPL matches happen. Hosting an IPL match adds value and revenue to the economy of the state.

• Inflow of international visitors to India during IPL schedule.

• employment generation across sectors, tourism development, support of tier two cities providing key media exposure and development of cricket and sport participation across the country

• contribution of Rs. 11.5 billion to India’s GDP through a 60-day event.

• A strong brand  name to the global media and people.

D. Bad for Indian Economy

• IPL has become a game of gambling and match fixing.

• The IPL has privatized national passion and has made it look so artificially glamourous.

• Matches are localized to certain states or cities, therby helping in the economic development of only selected few  areas.
  

IV. Conclusion

• IPL not only promotes Cricket but also spreads the cultural heritage of India to the world. 

• It not only promotes Cricket but also spreads the cultural heritage of India to the world.

• IPL can always be a boon if it sticks to the core principles and formulate very strong rules in order to curtail the fixing issues.

• The administrative body should focus on 'No Tolerance Policy' for any malpractices into the game.

References:

http://www.careerride.com/view/ipl-boon-or-bane-to-cricket-24128.aspx

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Premier_League

http://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/2015-indian-premier-league-ipl-contributed-rs115-billion-182-million-to-indias-gross-domestic-product-gdp-says-bcci/article7823334.ece
http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/water-crisis-people-are-more-important-than-ipl-hc-tells-maharashtra-govt_1873123.html