Page 31 - IPL1

THE WAY FORWARD
T
he formation of the Indian Premier League was an
incredible journey made from dream to reality in eight months.
However, the tournament, which began so successfully in April
2008, was only the beginning.
While everything happened remarkably quickly, there is likely
now to be a gradual evolution as cricket fans in each of the
franchise cities build up their affinity to the team that represents
them. The growing of identities was singled out in advance as a
key aspect. History is forged with every match played, a process
that will be aided by the infusion of players from the local area
and those from further afield returning year after year.
In its first year itself, IPL has seen the realisation of Lalit Modi’s
dream that fans across the country would declare, ‘My City, My
Team’. Stadiums across the eight cities were packed with locals
rooting for their new franchises. This link will only grow as the
years go on and spectators look forward each year to their dose
of top-class Twenty20 cricket.
Following the initial format in 2008 of eight teams playing a
total of 59 matches, it is likely a ninth franchise will be added
in the fourth year of the IPL, and there are plans for a 10th to
be added in the fifth or sixth year, taking the overall number of
games up to 93.
As there were seven disappointed bidders when the original
franchises were distributed, there is expected to be considerable
demand for the additional two when they become available and
the league is fully established. The franchises have been sold in
perpetuity, with an arrangement that the owners pay for them
over a 10-year period in equal instalments.
Beyond that, there is nothing set in stone but, marketing wise,
the development of the Indian Premier League looks likely to
take place against a backdrop of continued rapid growth for the
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economy, in a country which loves its cricket like nowhere else.
To co-exist happily with the game at large, and test cricket in
particular, it may yet happen that an annual ‘window’ will be
created in the international calendar around March, April or
May. At the moment, it is not anticipated that a second window
will be needed, although it seems certain that leading players
from around the world will want to participate in the Indian
Premier League whenever the opportunity arises.
One change from the second year onwards is that some of
England’s top players, including Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen
and Paul Collingwood, will be playing for their respective
franchises.
The broader goal of the Indian Premier League is to ensure an
upgrade in the venues so spectators will be able to watch their
favourite teams in the comfort they richly deserve.
According to Ravi Shastri, former India captain and IPL Governing
Council member, the only way IPL will be going is up. ‘Having
played and watched cricket over the last three decades, I have
absolutely no doubt in my mind that this will be one of the
biggest success stories this game has seen for a very long time.’
‘It will take the game’s popularity to an altogether different
level’, he says.
As a relatively young game, it is continuously evolving. As each
game is played, it is continuously being tweaked and refined.
Spinners have generally proved more effective than was
generally expected, but, as Shaun Marsh showed during his
superb stint with Kings XI Punjab, batsmen are innovating all
the time too.
In whatever manner the game may morph in future, it sure is
going to be an exhilarating ride on an eventful journey.