‘Criticism of IPL gets headlines'

Dubai: The fifth edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), now in its business-end, had given the Indian cricket board enough reasons to be smug about till the TV sting operation and its fallout struck a somewhat discordant note yesterday. The crowds are back, the cricket had been fascinating with a large percentage of the matches getting decided in the last over (or last ball) — it seems to be certainly been one of the best seasons of IPL since the inaugural year.

The sense of satisfaction was also evident in Sundar Raman, the self-effacing CEO of IPL, who has been synonymous with the league since it's inception. 

Speaking to Gulf News in an exclusive interview before the spot-fixing story broke, Raman fielded a wide range of questions. Following are the excerpts: 

GULF NEWS: After a slight lull in the interest levels last year, it seems the IPL has made up for the lost ground in IPL V. What do you feel about it?

SUNDAR RAMAN: The IPL has been always popular ever since its inception in 2008. The ratings and attendances were slightly lower last year, because the tournament was preceded by the World Cup. We have had some fantastic cricket and thrilling finishes in this year's edition, and the last bit likely to be no different, as the race for the Playoff slots reaches a climax. This has been one of the most competitive (if not the most competitive) IPLs. It is anybody's tournament. We are as thrilled with the quality of the cricket that has been on display as the spectators and TV viewers. 

How difficult was selling a nine-team format this year and that too at a short notice? Are things likely to change in the coming years?

We have had sufficient time for this year's nine-team event. After managing IPL 2009, anything more than 20 days can feel like luxury!. Also over the many editions, thanks to continuity of resources, everyone knows the drill. 

There is a growing feeling that some of the franchise owners are finding the financial burden too strong to handle, with King's XI going for a last-minute sponsorship and Rajasthan Royals' stake selling plans stoking the fire. What's your take on this ?

We cannot comment on issues that the media is speculating on. All I can say is that we have an excellent and transparent relationship with the franchises and sponsors. They are happy with the manner in which things have gone off so far. Buyers will always want to talk down the value to get a ‘deal,' but the numbers are there for every one to see. 

While the mass response looks to have come back, there are reports of some sponsors doing a re-think in view of the rising costs. Incidentally, this is also the final year of title-sponsorship deal with DLF. What does the future hold?

As I have mentioned earlier, we have a harmonious relationship with the franchises and sponsors. Issues, if at all they arise, will be discussed across the table, appropriate decisions taken and announced. 

Will the IPL give a thought to the clamour for increasing the overseas players' quota from four in the playing XI?

This is the ‘Indian Premier League.' It is a domestic tournament, aimed at providing a platform to budding cricketers from across the world, but most certainly aimed at Indian players. There is no plan to change the restriction of four internationals. 

There seems to be often a negative vibe about IPL (with former cricketers like Arjuna Ranatunga joining the bandwagon) whenever India fares poorly in international cricket. Do you this it's fair?

Ya, there has been a lot of such things said…isn't it? Have heard a few of them say looks like even the economic issues in Europe will now be attributed to IPL! Comments are usually from people who have not seen or not been involved with the IPL. May be, being critical of IPL gets them headlines!

Some people have attributed India's recent losses to the IPL. Let's also not forget India became the No. 1 Test team in 2009 and the World Cup winners in 2011, and both achievements came about in the ‘IPL era.' People who understand the sport in today's context know what IPL does and what it doesn't. It has a role — one, that to identify and provide a platform for talent and two, to bring in newer audience to the game of cricket. IPL continues to deliver on both counts.

Cricket is changing with the times, and the IPL epitomises that change. It has attracted new fans and audiences across the world. Nobody is taking anything away from Test cricket and One-Day Internationals, but the T20 format represents cricket's best chance of popularising the sport in new territories and amongst new audiences. Even the staunchest detractor of the IPL will have to concede that the tournament is providing a platform for young cricketers to rub shoulders with the best in the business.

None of the youngsters who have played in the IPL is likely to feel intimidated or out of place when he makes his international debut, as he has seen and experienced it all — the pressures of winning for his team, and playing in front of capacity crowds. The new IPL trophy bears an inscription in Sanskrit, which means, ‘Where Talent Meets Opportunity.' That says it all. May be its worth a question, would the ‘critics' of the IPL would have refused to participate in it had it been conceived during their playing days?