IPL

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a game-changer in the world of cricket since its launch in 2008. Created by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Indian Premier League was designed to blend cricket with entertainment, giving rise to a new era of sports entertainment. It is the biggest cricketing even today. It is a festival of entertainment lasting for 3 months. Let’s take a closer look at what makes the IPL such a hit.

Cricadium provides all the latest cricket news, live match scores, Dream 11 Fantasy Prediction, and Match Prediction Articles. We cover all the happenings throughout the 3-month cricket festival in India. Buckle up for an enthralling cricket experience with Cricadium…

History and Start

The Indian Premier League was born out of the growing popularity of Twenty20 cricket and the need for a dynamic cricket league in India. It introduced a new format where city-based teams, owned by corporate giants and celebrities, competed against each other. This model not only brought in big investments but also added glamour and competitiveness to the sport. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) came into existence as a response to the establishment of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) by Zee Entertainment Enterprises in 2007. The ICL, founded in 2007, was not recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the International Cricket Council (ICC). The BCCI was unhappy about its own committee members joining the ICL executive board and considered it a rebel league. In response, the BCCI took measures to prevent players from joining the ICL, including increasing the prize money associated with its domestic tournaments and imposing lifetime bans on any player joining the rival league.

Inspired by India’s victory at the 2007 T20 World Cup, the BCCI announced the launch of a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket competition called the Indian Premier League on 13 September 2007. The first season was scheduled to start in April 2008 with a high-profile ceremony in New Delhi. Lalit Modi, the BCCI vice-president, led the IPL effort and provided details of the tournament, including its format, prize money, franchise revenue system, and squad composition rules. The Indian Premier League was also designated as the qualifying mechanism for that year’s Champions League Twenty20.

To determine team ownership, an auction of franchises was held on 24 January 2008. The reserve prices of the eight franchises totaled $400 million, but the auction raised a total of $723.59 million. As a result of the ban imposed on players opting to participate in the ICL, the rival league eventually closed down. This series of events led to the establishment and early success of the Indian Premier League, which has since become one of the most popular and lucrative cricket leagues in the world.

Title Sponsors

– DLF (2008-2012): DLF, India’s largest real estate developer, secured the title sponsorship rights for five seasons from 2008 to 2012 by bidding ₹200 crore (US$25 million).

– PepsiCo (2013-2015): After the 2012 season, PepsiCo acquired the title sponsorship rights for ₹397 crore (US$50 million) for the next five seasons. However, they terminated the deal in October 2015, two years before its expiry, due to the suspension of the Chennai and Rajasthan franchises.

– Vivo (2016-2017): The BCCI transferred the title sponsorship rights for the remaining two seasons of the PepsiCo contract to Vivo for ₹200 crore (US$25 million).

– Vivo (2018-2022): In June 2017, Vivo retained the rights for the next five seasons from 2018 to 2022 with a winning bid of ₹2,199 crore (US$280 million). However, Vivo canceled the title sponsorship rights in August 2020 due to the India-China military standoff and market losses from the COVID-19 pandemic. Dream11 became the title sponsor for the 2020 Indian Premier League season for ₹222 crore.

– Vivo (2021): Vivo returned as the title sponsor for the 2021 Indian Premier League season but withdrew again

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– Tata Group (2022-2023): The Tata Group replaced Vivo as the title sponsor for the next two seasons, with InsideSport reporting that the BCCI would receive ₹498 crore (US$62 million) for the 2022 and 2023 seasons from title sponsors. Saudi Aramco brought the rights to advertise on the Purple and Orange caps in 2022.

-Tata Group (2024): In a landmark development, the TATA Group has clinched the title sponsorship rights for the IPL for a record-breaking five-year period, from 2024 to 2028. The deal, valued at an unprecedented INR 2500 crores, sets a new benchmark in the league’s history, highlighting both the IPL’s premier status and the TATA Group’s enduring commitment to supporting its growth and success.

Impact on Cricket

The IPL has had a significant impact on Indian cricket, providing a platform for young talents to showcase their skills alongside international stars. It has also contributed to the growth of cricket infrastructure and talent development in India. Internationally, the league has attracted players from around the world, enhancing its global appeal and diversity. The IPL has unearthed talents like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, Rohit Sharma and lots more. 

Economic Boost and Records

The Indian Premier League has been a financial powerhouse, attracting lucrative sponsorships, broadcast deals, and endorsements. It has also boosted ancillary industries like hospitality and media. The league has witnessed remarkable performances, with players like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle setting records for the most runs scored in a single season. Cricadium provides all the records and statistics about each player playing in the IPL.

Fan Engagement and Expansion

The Indian Premier League has a massive fan base, engaging millions of fans through social media and global broadcasts. The league has expanded its reach beyond India, hosting matches in international venues. It continues to innovate, exploring new formats and technologies to enhance the fan experience. At Cricadium, we provide the latest match prediction and Dream 11 Fantasy News Articles. 

Innovative Format and Teams

With its innovative format, the IPL has become a breeding ground for both established players and rising talents. The league’s franchise system has led to intense rivalries and thrilling matches, captivating audiences worldwide. Currently, there are 10 teams in the IPL, each representing a different city or region.

The Indian Premier League (IPL), also known as the TATA IPL for sponsorship reasons, is a men’s Twenty20 (T20) cricket league held annually in India. Founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007, the league features ten city-based franchise teams. The IPL typically takes place in the summer months between March and May and has an exclusive window in the ICC Future Tours Programme, leading to fewer international cricket tours during IPL seasons.

The IPL is renowned as the most popular cricket league globally. In 2014, it was ranked sixth in average attendance among all sports leagues. Notably, in 2010, the Indian Premier League (IPL) became the first sporting event to be broadcast live on YouTube. The success of the IPL has inspired the establishment of other Indian sports leagues. The league’s brand value in 2022 reached ₹90,038 crore (US$11 billion). According to the BCCI, the 2015 IPL season contributed ₹1,150 crore (US$140 million) to India’s GDP. In December 2022, the IPL achieved decacorn status with a valuation of US$10.9 billion, marking a 75% growth in dollar terms since 2020 when it was valued at $6.2 billion, according to a report by consulting firm D and P Advisory. The IPL’s 2023 final was the most streamed live event on the internet, attracting 32 million viewers.

In 2023, the IPL sold its media rights for the period of 2023–2027 for US$6.4 billion to Viacom18 and Star Sports, with each IPL match valued at $13.4 million. As of 2023, there have been sixteen seasons of the tournament. The current champions are the Chennai Super Kings, who clinched the 2023 season by defeating the Gujarat Titans in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

IPL Teams and Owners

1. Mumbai Indians (MI): Owned by India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, through his company Reliance Industries, Mumbai Indians is the most successful team in IPL history, having won the title five times. Ambani’s leadership and financial backing have been instrumental in shaping the team into a powerhouse in the league.

2. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and the Mehta Group, KKR has a strong presence both on and off the field. Known for its aggressive and strategic approach, KKR has won the IPL title twice under the ownership of this trio.

3. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Owned by N Srinivasan’s Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited, CSK has been one of the most consistent and successful teams in IPL history. Led by former Indian captain MS Dhoni, CSK has won the IPL title multiple times and has a loyal fan base known for their unwavering support.

4. Delhi Capitals (DC): Co-owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group, Delhi Capitals has undergone a transformation in recent years, emerging as a strong contender in the IPL. With a renewed focus on youth and talent development, DC reached the finals in 2020, showcasing the team’s potential under its current ownership.

5. Punjab Kings (PBKS): Co-owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman, and Karan Paul, Punjab Kings has had a mixed bag of performances in the IPL. Despite not winning the title yet, PBKS has remained a competitive team with a loyal fan following.

6. Rajasthan Royals (RR): Owned by a consortium including Manoj Badale, Lachlan Murdoch, Amisha Hathiramani, and Ryan Tkalcevic, Rajasthan Royals is known for its innovative and strategic approach to team-building. The team won the inaugural IPL title in 2008 but has since faced challenges in replicating that success.

7. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Owned by United Spirits Ltd., a subsidiary of Diageo, RCB has been one of the most popular teams in the IPL, largely due to its star-studded lineup and aggressive playing style. Despite having some of the biggest names in cricket, RCB has yet to win an IPL title, which has been a source of frustration for its passionate fan base.

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Owned by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun TV Network, Sunrisers Hyderabad has been a relatively new but competitive team in the IPL. Known for its strong bowling lineup and strategic approach, SRH won the IPL title in 2016, showcasing its potential in the league.

9. Gujarat Titans: Owned by Steve Koltes, Donald Mackenzie, and Rolly van Rappard of CVC Capital Partners, Gujarat Titans is one of the newest additions to the IPL. Despite being a new team, Gujarat Titans showed promise in its debut season, with a strong performance led by captain Hardik Pandya.

10. Lucknow Super Giants: Owned by the RPSG Group of Sanjiv Goenka, Lucknow Super Giants is another new team in the IPL, having entered the league in 2022. With a strong financial backing and strategic team management, Lucknow Super Giants aims to establish itself as a competitive force in the IPL.

IPL Teams Brand Value

IPL Awards

Orange Cap: The Orange Cap, introduced in 2008, is awarded to the highest run-scorer at the end of each Indian Premier League season. It is an ongoing competition, with the current highest run-scorer wearing the cap while fielding. The eventual winner keeps the cap for the season. Brendon McCullum was the first player to wear the Orange Cap, and Shaun Marsh was the inaugural winner. Australian batsman David Warner has won the award three times, the most by any player. Shubman Gill of Gujarat Titans was the most recent winner, scoring 890 runs during the 2023 season.

Purple Cap: The Purple Cap is awarded to the highest wicket-taker at the end of each Indian Premier League season. Like the Orange Cap, it is an ongoing competition, with the leading wicket-taker wearing the cap while fielding. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dwayne Bravo are the only players to have won the award twice.

Most Valuable Player: The Most Valuable Player award, known as the “Man of the Tournament” until the 2012 season, is determined using a ratings system introduced in 2013. Shubman Gill won the award in 2023.

Fair Play Award: The Fair Play Award is given to the team with the best fair play record at the end of each Indian Premier League season. After each match, the two on-field umpires and the third umpire score the performance of both teams, with the team receiving the highest score at the end of the season winning the award. The 2023 winners were Delhi Capitals while Sunrisers Hyderabad won the award in 2024. 

Emerging Player Award: The Emerging Player Award was initially presented to the best under-19 player in 2008 and the best under-23 player in 2009 and 2010. It was known as the “Rising Star of the Year” in 2011 and 2012, and the “Best Young Player of the Season” in 2013. Since 2014, it has been called the Emerging Player of the Year. The 2023 winner was Yashasvi Jaiswal. The award was presented to Nitish Kumar Reddy in 2024. 

Maximum Sixes Award: The Maximum Sixes Award is presented to the player who hits the most sixes at the end of each Indian Premier League season.

Year-wise Break down

2008

– Purple Cap: Sohail Tanvir (Rajasthan Royals) – 22 wickets

– Orange Cap: Shaun Marsh (Kings XI Punjab) – 616 runs

– Winner: Rajasthan Royals

 The inaugural Indian Premier League season witnessed Rajasthan Royals emerge as the champions under the captaincy of Shane Warne. Sohail Tanvir’s exceptional bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while Shaun Marsh’s prolific batting display secured him the Orange Cap.

2009

– Purple Cap: RP Singh (Deccan Chargers) – 23 wickets

– Orange Cap: Matthew Hayden (Chennai Super Kings) – 572 runs

-Winner: Deccan Chargers

 Deccan Chargers clinched their maiden Indian Premier League title, led by Adam Gilchrist. RP Singh’s consistent bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Matthew Hayden’s explosive batting for Chennai Super Kings secured him the Orange Cap.

2010

– Purple Cap: Pragyan Ojha (Deccan Chargers) – 21 wickets

– Orange Cap: Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians) – 618 runs

– Winner: Chennai Super Kings

 Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious for the first time, with MS Dhoni leading the team to glory. Pragyan Ojha’s impressive bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while Sachin Tendulkar’s consistent batting for Mumbai Indians secured him the Orange Cap.

2011

– Purple Cap: Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians) – 28 wickets

– Orange Cap: Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 608 runs

– Winner: Chennai Super Kings

 Chennai Super Kings continued their dominance, winning their second consecutive title under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Lasith Malinga’s exceptional bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Chris Gayle’s explosive batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore secured him the Orange Cap.

2012

– Purple Cap: Morne Morkel (Delhi Daredevils) – 25 wickets

– Orange Cap: Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 733 runs

– Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders

 Kolkata Knight Riders emerged as champions for the first time under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir. Morne Morkel’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Chris Gayle’s prolific batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore secured him the Orange Cap.

2013

– Purple Cap: Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) – 32 wickets

– Orange Cap: Michael Hussey (Chennai Super Kings) – 733 runs

– Winner: Mumbai Indians

 Mumbai Indians clinched their maiden Indian Premier League title, led by Rohit Sharma. Dwayne Bravo’s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while Michael Hussey’s consistent batting for Chennai Super Kings secured him the Orange Cap.

2014

– Purple Cap: Mohit Sharma (Chennai Super Kings) – 23 wickets

– Orange Cap: Robin Uthappa (Kolkata Knight Riders) – 660 runs

– Winner: Kolkata Knight Riders

 Kolkata Knight Riders secured their second Indian Premier League title, with Gautam Gambhir leading the team to victory once again. Mohit Sharma’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Robin Uthappa’s prolific batting for Kolkata Knight Riders secured him the Orange Cap.

2015

– Purple Cap: Dwayne Bravo (Chennai Super Kings) – 26 wickets

– Orange Cap: David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 562 runs

– Winner: Mumbai Indians

 Mumbai Indians reclaimed the Indian Premier League title under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy. Dwayne Bravo’s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while David Warner’s consistent batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him the Orange Cap.

2016

– Purple Cap: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 23 wickets

– Orange Cap: Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 973 runs

– Winner: Sunrisers Hyderabad

 Sunrisers Hyderabad clinched their maiden IPL title, with David Warner leading the team to victory. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Virat Kohli’s record-breaking batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore secured him the Orange Cap.

2017

– Purple Cap: Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 26 wickets

– Orange Cap: David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 641 runs

– Winner: Mumbai Indians

 Mumbai Indians secured their third Indian Premier League title under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while David Warner’s consistent batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him the Orange Cap.

2018

– Purple Cap: Andrew Tye (Kings XI Punjab) – 24 wickets

– Orange Cap: Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 735 runs

– Winner: Chennai Super Kings

 Chennai Super Kings made a triumphant return to the Indian Premier League after a two-year suspension, winning their third title under MS Dhoni’s captaincy. Andrew Tye’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Kane Williamson’s prolific batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him the Orange Cap.

2019

– Purple Cap: Imran Tahir (Chennai Super Kings) – 26 wickets

– Orange Cap: David Warner (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 692 runs

– Winner: Mumbai Indians

 Mumbai Indians clinched their fourth Indian Premier League title under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Imran Tahir’s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while David Warner’s consistent batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad secured him the Orange Cap.

2020

– Purple Cap: Kagiso Rabada (Delhi Capitals) – 30 wickets

– Orange Cap: KL Rahul (Kings XI Punjab) – 670 runs

– Winner: Mumbai Indians

 Mumbai Indians secured their fifth Indian Premier League title, establishing themselves as one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history. Kagiso Rabada’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while KL Rahul‘s prolific batting for Kings XI Punjab secured him the Orange Cap.

2021

– Purple Cap: Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 32 wickets

– Orange Cap: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings) – 635 runs

– Winner: Chennai Super Kings

 Chennai Super Kings reclaimed the Indian Premier League title under MS Dhoni’s captaincy, showcasing their dominance in the tournament. Harshal Patel’s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while Ruturaj Gaikwad’s consistent batting for Chennai Super Kings secured him the Orange Cap.

2022

– Purple

 Cap: Yuzvendra Chahal (Rajasthan Royals) – 27 wickets

– Orange Cap: Jos Butler (Rajasthan Royals) – 863 runs

– Winner: Gujarat Titans

 Gujarat Titans emerged as the champions in their debut Indian Premier League season, led by Hardik Pandya. Yuzvendra Chahal’s impactful bowling earned him the Purple Cap, while Jos Butler’s prolific batting for Rajasthan Royals secured him the Orange Cap.

2023

– Purple Cap: Mohammad Shami (Gujarat Titans) – 28 wickets

– Orange Cap: Shubhman Gill (Gujarat Titans) – 890 runs

– Winner: Chennai Super Kings

 Chennai Super Kings continued their dominance in the Indian Premier League, winning their eighth title under MS Dhoni‘s captaincy. Mohammad Shami‘s superb bowling performance earned him the Purple Cap, while Shubhman Gill’s consistent batting for Gujarat Titans secured him the Orange Cap.

2024

– Purple Cap: Harshal Patel (Punjab Kings) – 24 Wickets
– Orange Cap: Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore) – 741 Runs

IPL Winners over the years

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) have been the most successful teams in the Indian Premier League. Both of them have won the IPL Five Times each under the captaincy of Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma respectively. Captaincy of Hardik Pandya and veterans like Shane Warne and David Warner have produced inspirational performances over the years. 

Orange Cap Winners

Here are the players who have won the Orange Cap for scoring the most runs in each Indian Premier League season:

Purple Cap Winners

Here are the players who have won the Purple Cap for taking the most wickets in each Indian Premier League season:

IPL Rules:

The IPL has several unique rules that differentiate it from traditional cricket laws and other Twenty20 leagues:

1. Strategic Time-Outs: Each team is given a two-and-a-half-minute “strategic time-out” during each innings. One must be taken by the bowling team between the seventh and ninth overs and the other by the batting team between the 14th and 16th overs. Misuse of this privilege can result in a penalty.

2. Decision Review System (DRS): Since the 2018 season, the DRS has been used in all IPL matches, allowing each team two opportunities each innings to review an on-field umpire’s decision. From the 2023 season, this was extended to allow the review of wides and no-balls.

3. Fielding Restrictions: If the bowling team does not complete its overs in the allocated time, it may place only four fielders outside of the fielding restrictions circle for the remainder of the innings. Financial sanctions may also be imposed on the bowling team after the match, with players fined a proportion of their match fee.

4. Impact Player Substitution: Teams can use a substitute, termed an “impact player”, from a list of five players named as possible substitutes. The substitution can be made before the start of innings, when a wicket falls, when a batter retires, or at the end of an over. Both teams can introduce a substitute once per match.

5. Playing Eleven Declaration: Teams can declare their playing eleven to the match-referee before or after the toss.

6. Fielding Penalties: A five-run penalty is imposed if a fielder or wicket-keeper makes an unfair movement while the bowler is bowling and the ball is designated as a dead ball.

7. Overseas Player Limit: Teams can include a maximum of four overseas players in their playing eleven.

8. Squad Composition: Teams must include 25 players in their squad, with a maximum of eight overseas players.

9. Bouncer Limit: From the 2024 season, bowlers will be allowed to deliver two bouncers per over. This change in playing conditions was trialled during the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament.

Records in IPL

Here are some notable records in the IPL:

– Highest team total: 287/3 by Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2024.

– Highest individual score: 175 by Chris Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India in 2013.

– Most sixes in an innings: 17 by Chris Gayle for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors India in 2013.

– Most runs in a single Indian Premier League season: 973 runs by Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2016.

– Most wickets in a single Indian Premier League season: 32 wickets by Dwayne Bravo for Chennai Super Kings in 2013.

– Most centuries in Indian Premier League: 6 centuries by Chris Gayle.

– Most matches played in Indian Premier League: 197 matches by MS Dhoni.

– Most catches in Indian Premier League: 120 catches by Suresh Raina.

Controversies

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been embroiled in several controversies over the years, spanning issues related to corruption, player conduct, governance, and international relations. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key controversies:

1. Spot-fixing and Betting Scandals Shake IPL Integrity

   The IPL was rocked by spot-fixing and betting scandals in 2012 and 2013, leading to lifetime bans for players involved and implicating team officials and owners in illegal betting activities.

2. Strategic Timeouts: Revenue Boost or Game Disruptor?

   The introduction of strategic timeouts in 2010 sparked controversy, with critics alleging they were primarily a revenue-generating tactic that disrupted the flow of the game and prolonged match durations.

3. Player Conduct Controversies: A History of Incidents

   From Harbhajan Singh’s 2008 ban for slapping a fellow player to Yuzvendra Chahal’s 2022 revelations of physical harassment, Indian Premier League has seen various incidents highlighting player conduct issues.

4. Ownership Disputes: Rajasthan Royals and Beyond

   The Indian Premier League has faced ownership disputes, including allegations of undisclosed shareholding and violations of ownership transfer rules, involving teams like Rajasthan Royals and individuals like Shilpa Shetty and Preity Zinta.

5. Conflict of Interest: N. Srinivasan’s Ownership of CSK

   The ownership of Chennai Super Kings by N. Srinivasan raised concerns about conflict of interest and integrity, leading to legal challenges and questions about governance in the IPL.

6. Australian Players’ Pay Dispute with Cricket Australia

   The IPL’s policy of deducting a portion of foreign players’ salaries for their national cricket boards led to disputes with Australian cricketers and Cricket Australia, highlighting issues of player compensation and governance.

7. Political Intrigue: Tharoor-Pushkar’s Involvement in Indian Premier League Ownership

   The involvement of Shashi Tharoor’s wife, Sunanda Pushkar, in IPL team ownership led to political controversy, demands for resignation, and scrutiny of IPL ownership practices.

8. Pace of Play: IPL’s Battle with Slow Over Rates

   Criticism of slow over rates in IPL matches has highlighted concerns about extended match durations, interruptions to the game’s flow, and challenges in adhering to stipulated time limits.

9. Impact on International Cricket: Balancing IPL and National Commitments

   The IPL’s impact on international cricket has raised questions about player welfare, injury risks, and the balance between IPL and national team commitments, with some expressing concerns about players prioritizing IPL over national duties.

10. Exclusion of Pakistani Players: Geopolitical Tensions and Cricket

    The unofficial ban on Pakistani players from the IPL, stemming from geopolitical tensions, has led to accusations of discrimination and political interference in cricket, impacting the league’s diversity and international relations.

These controversies have underscored various challenges faced by the IPL, including issues of integrity, governance, player welfare, and international relations, prompting calls for reforms and greater accountability within the league.

Broadcasting Rights

The broadcasting rights for the IPL have played a crucial role in shaping the league’s popularity and revenue generation. Here’s how the broadcasting landscape has evolved over the years:

2008–2017: Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) and World Sport Group (WSG)

– The IPL’s broadcast rights were initially held by a partnership between Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) and World Sport Group (WSG) under a ten-year contract valued at US$1.03 billion.

– SPN held domestic rights in India while WSG handled international distribution.

– Sony Max, Sony Six, and Sony ESPN served as the IPL’s domestic broadcasters, with Max and Six airing broadcasts with commentary in Hindi, and Six also in Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.

– SPN produced Extraaa Innings T20, a post-match show combined with an entertainment talk show featuring celebrity guests.

2018–2022: Star Sports and Hotstar

– In 2017, Star India acquired the global media rights to the IPL under a five-year contract beginning in 2018, valued at ₹163.475 billion (US$2.55 billion).

– Star Sports broadcast matches on television, while Hotstar streamed matches in India and other markets.

– Star and mobile carrier Jio reached a sub-licensing agreement, allowing all domestic cricket matches aired by Hotstar to be available via the Jio TV service for Jio Prime mobile subscribers.

– International streaming viewership on Hotstar broke records, exceeding 10 million concurrent viewers multiple times.

2023–2027: Star Sports and JioCinema

– The next cycle of IPL media rights (2023–2027) was put to auction, with broadcasting rights divided into four packages.

– Star Sports renewed its contract for television rights by winning package A, while a Viacom18 consortium exclusively acquired the streaming rights by winning both Package B and C.

– Viacom18 announced it would stream the 2023 IPL for free on JioCinema with feeds in 12 languages, including English and regional languages, and in 4K resolution.

– Star launched HD feeds of Star Sports 1 in Tamil and Telugu and announced its free-to-air channel Star Utsav Movies would carry twelve matches.

– The 2023 final set a record for the most concurrent viewers of a livestreamed event, peaking at over 32 million viewers, surpassing previous records set by Hotstar during the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

The IPL has revolutionized cricket, combining sportsmanship with entertainment. With

its innovative format, star-studded teams, and global appeal, the IPL continues to captivate cricket lovers around the world. As the league evolves, it remains a beacon of excitement and excellence in the world of sports.

Get all the latest news and updates on IPL only on Cricadium. We try to provide the best cricket content possible to our followers.