The Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal said that there is no threat to the richest and most- popular T20 league of the world from the recently launched new competitions around the world and that there is nothing even close to the IPL.
With an estimated $8.4 billion brand value, the IPL continues to draw the best players and coaches in the globe thanks to the kind of money that T20 tournaments like Australia and England can only dream of.
But things are changing; this year, profitable leagues began in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, and next month, Major League Cricket will begin to play in the United States.
Even if there are more opportunities for players to use their skills than ever before, Dhumal felt certain that the IPL will continue to dominate franchise cricket.
“We don’t see anyone else as our competition, there is none even close to IPL. Our best wishes to all the boards starting their own T20 leagues, but I don’t think any of them can be a threat to IPL,” Dhumal told Reuters.
Jio Cinema, in a statement on Wednesday, said more than 120 million unique viewers had tuned in to watch Chennai Super Kings beat Gujarat Titans in a dramatic final, with a peak concurrency of 32.1 million.
“It has been a phenomenal success, and largely because of the sheer competitiveness of this year’s tournament. Most of the matches went down to the wire and there were plenty of last-over thrillers. We got a phenomenal response from the fans. Our viewership grew manifold and our broadcast and digital partners both are excited. Even the in-stadia experience of the fans has been phenomenal, and going forward it’s only going to get better,” Dhumal added.
IPL would remain a 10-team event but the number of matches might go up- Arun Dhumal
The IPL currently enjoys a two-month window from the ICC as there are no major international series taking place when the IPL happens. This means that there is a chance of expanding the league to more matches in case a bigger window is allowed.
Dhumal said the IPL would remain a 10-team event but the number of matches, currently 74 per season, might go up to 94 if it gets a bigger window in the calendar prepared by the governing International Cricket Council (ICC).
While the IPL offers life-changing money for most of its participants, the global cricketers’ Association has called for players to receive a bigger share of the league’s revenue.
“We will have to consult the franchises and team owners before taking a call. While we still have 10 months before the next IPL, a lot of discussion will have to take place before anything like that happens,” Dhumal said.
Additionally, Dhumal also denied media rumors that the IPL planned to host games in Saudi Arabia or assist the oil-rich nation in establishing its own T20 league.
“It’s the ICC’s job to grow the game outside the traditional pockets. BCCI has helped nations in the past but as far as a T20 league in Saudi Arabia is considered, it’s all speculation,” he signed off.