How the IPL Became the Second-Most Valued Sports League in the World

The digital rights to broadcast the 2023-2027 editions of the IPL have been sold by the BCCI to Viacom18 for the staggering sum of Rs 23,758 crore. This makes the IPL the second-most valued sports league in the world after the NFL.

But how did the IPL become such a popular and valuable event, having been established as late as 2007? That is the question we will explore in this article.

How the IPL Started

The Indian Premier League (IPL), is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India. Since it started in 2007, the IPL has become one of the best cricket tournaments in the world, attracting the best players from around the world and capturing the attention of people all over the globe. 

The IPL was created because the BCCI wanted to change the way cricket is played in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) saw the potential for a high-energy, franchise-based tournament that would bring together the best players from India and around the world. The IPL was made to be fast-paced, fun, and easy for fans of all ages to follow.

What Makes the IPL So Popular?

One of the most important things that make the IPL different from other cricket tournaments is that it is based on franchises. In the IPL, each team is owned by a franchise, which spends money on players, coaches, and other resources to build a strong team. Since each franchise wants to win the IPL title, this has made the tournament very competitive and intense.

The player auction is another important part of the IPL. Each year, teams bid on the best players who are available in a public auction. This makes the league more exciting and unpredictable. The player auction also helps make sure that everyone is playing on the same level since it gives all teams the chance to build a strong team.

Some of the best players in the world have helped the IPL because they bring their skills and experience to the league. From Indian stars like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni to international legends like Chris Gayle and AB de Villiers, the IPL has a wide range of talented players who make the tournament exciting and fun to watch.

Aside from the action on the field, the IPL also puts a lot of emphasis on entertainment and getting fans involved. 

There are many things to do during the tournament, such as music concerts, appearances by famous people, interactive fan zones, IPL betting, and more. These efforts have helped make the IPL a fun event to participate in and built a following of loyal fans.

Lastly, the IPL is one of the only sports events in India which has succeeded in reaching people outside of India. 

The tournament is shown in more than 100 countries, and the IPL has worked hard to grow its fan base around the world. 

In conclusion, the Indian Premier League has become one of the best cricket tournaments in the world because of its innovative franchise-based model, high-quality play, focus on entertainment, and ability to reach people all around the globe. 

With a bright future, it’s clear that the IPL will continue to captivate audiences and set the standard for top-level cricket tournaments.