Sport | Cricket
IPL very much on growth path
Chief executive cites statistics to prove the first edition without lalit modi was a success
- By Gautam Bhattacharyya, Sports Editor
- Published: 00:01 May 29, 2011
- Image Credit: Bloomberg
- Sundar Raman, chief executive officer of the Indian Premier Cricket League, now wants to make the global champions league T20 equally popular.
Dubai: For Sundar Raman, the articulate CEO of the Indian Premier League (IPL), there is always enough on his plate when the league is on every year.
The fourth edition which ended yesterday was especially tough — with more teams and consequently more matches — and also the pressure of expectations, as it's also the first IPL without it's most well-known troubleshooter: Lalit Modi.
However, the well-oiled machinery of the IPL has ensured that things have been smooth, and Raman is looking forward to a well-earned break once it's over.
The former advertising professional admits that it was a tough ask for IPL-IV to measure up to the hype of previous years, coming as it did after the World Cup. But he said it's still very much on the growth path.
In an exclusive interview with Gulf News, IPL's Man Friday also does some serious number-crunching to back his argument about how the league has grown and it's impact on the culture of Twenty20 cricket in other countries.
Following are some excerpts:
Gulf News: With so much uncertainty, not to speak of some negative publicity, in the run-up to the league, are you a relieved man now that IPL IV is almost over?
SUNDAR RAMAN: IPL is a young league. We are just in the fourth year and already one of the most looked-forward-to annual sporting events across the world. It provides an opportunity not only for cricketers to perform but also to a lot of brands who use the league as a platform to communicate with their consumers.
IPL 2011 saw a new sponsor, Volkswagen, come on board as the official automobile partner. The support for local franchises has increased as we saw almost full houses in most games, including 4pm (2.30pm UAE) games on weekdays. The last week is always the busiest, so I am not relieved yet! However, I look forward to some rest once its over.
Do you think with 10 teams, it has managed to get any bigger and better?
IPL 2011 is bigger than the previous seasons, with ten teams playing 74 games over 51 days. This has given an opportunity to more players from India and all over the world to showcase their talent on a global stage. Kochi and Indore are the two new venues which have been added this year.
Talking numbers, the viewership reached 146.4 million viewers in 36 games, as compared to a total reach of 143.7 million in 60 games in IPL 2010. In the first 15 matches, IPL 2011 reached 14 per cent more women and 19 per cent more kids than IPL 2010 .
There was some talk that the TRP ratings had dropped midway through IPL IV because of the timing, so soon after the World Cup. Do you agree?
Look, India winning the World Cup was a moment of pride for all Indians — whether you are a cricket fan or not.
The IPL started immediately after the World Cup. There were 74 games in IPL 2011 compared to 60 in IPL2010, and an addition of six days over the last season. Naturally, we had to accommodate a greater number of 4pm games — traditionally lower rated than 8pm ones.
Cricketing considerations comes first in such situations. We had 17 (of the 24) 4pm matches scheduled in 22 days of April. We had to do this considering the heat in May can get unbearable in some cities.
However, IPL 2011 has had tremendous response from the cities of the two new franchises. It is evident from the figures after 68 matches that IPL is being consumed by more and more people from all across India.
There was an issue over the release of Sri Lankan players early for their tour of England. Given the FTP (Future Tours Programme) over the next few years, do you feel there is a realistic chance of an ICC window for the IPL ?
We've never sought a window for IPL nor intend to do so. Our regulation of 10 international players in a squad ensures enough quality talent is available in the IPL.
The Champions League T20 has not quite captured the imagination like the IPL. What plans do you have on the anvil for infusing some more fizz into that event?
CLT20 is the World Cup of T20 champion teams from all across the world. It is only in its second season, but the performance last season has been encouraging.
What the CLT20 has done to domestic tournaments across cricket playing nations is wonderful, as now the teams have something to play for.
The Big Bash in Australia, ProT20, and other T20 domestic tournaments across the world have started to gather momentum locally.
They are signing up international players, the best talents in the market play in these tournaments and the excitement is palpable. Domestic cricket is the lifeline for international cricket.
We need to start playing competitive cricket at the domestic level, which will improve the overall quality of cricket and the CLT20 is a step in delivering that.
This property has a lot of potential as it attracts the best talent from cricket playing countries across the world.
Yes, there are plans to build this property and take it right up there with the best elite properties in the world.
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