Cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) stands out regarding revenue and viewership, according to its chairman Arun Singh Dhumal. He believes that no other T20 franchise league comes close.
The 2023 IPL witnessed the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as winners, securing their fifth title. The tournament was one of the most captivating recently, thanks to the impact of the player rule introduction and the return of the home and away format.
While several nations are trying to establish franchise-based T20 leagues, they still need to catch up. In contrast, the IPL has been a prominent venture for 16 years, attracting top players and influencing international cricket.
Dhumal believes that the IPL rules franchise T20 leagues globally. In an interview with Reuters, he stated: "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 the IPL." Dhumal commended the 2023 season, describing it as a success due to its competitiveness and tremendous response from fans and broadcasters.
The IPL growth is evident through the addition of two new franchises in 2022. Separate sales of television and digital broadcast rights contributed, too. The IPL has also secured a dedicated window in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), as directed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). This shift towards the franchise-based system raises concerns about the impact on bilateral cricket and the game's longer formats.
If the dedicated window is finalized, the IPL will expand from its current 75-match model to nearly 100 encounters per season. All the teams would face each other twice instead of the existing group format. Dhumal emphasized the need for consultations with franchises and team owners before the following season.
Addressing rumours regarding the BCCI's involvement in helping Saudi Arabia launch its own T20 league, Dhumal dismissed the claims. He pointed out that the ICC's responsible for promoting the game outside traditional cricketing regions. While the BCCI has supported other nations, Dhumal stressed that speculation surrounding a T20 league in Saudi Arabia is unfounded.
As the IPL continues to dominate the franchise T20 landscape, its growth and potential adaptations will be determined through consultations with stakeholders to ensure that the league remains at the top of cricket's global landscape.