The Indian Premier League (IPL) is an annual franchise-based Twenty20 competition organised by the Indian board. First held in 2008, it features many of the world's best cricketers playing for eight city-based franchises, owned by a host of businessmen and celebrity consortiums. The tournament's initial success stemmed from India's winning the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 but the IPL has itself spawned several competitions, current and planned, including the Champions League.
Apart from the franchise concept - cricket's traditional region-based team composition has been replaced by an auction and transfer system - what marks out the IPL is the money involved. The Indian board netted US$ 1.75 billion from the tournament even before a ball had been bowled - from the sale of TV and other rights. The players are making money too: There are now ten players on contracts worth more than $1 million annually, for what is effectively five weeks' work. The big money involved, and its appeal to cricketers, has upset the sport's traditionalists but it is clearly part of cricket's future.
No comments:
Post a Comment