TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: Arun Singh Dhumal, Chairman Indian Premier League (IPL) governing council, is among the few BCCI administrators who have consistently spoken aggressively about increasing the world’s richest cricket league and its media rights.In an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia.com, Dhumal explained the value IPL has created over the past 18 years and the reasons behind its remarkable growth.“If you see the rapid growth IPL media rights have seen since its inception, it is extraordinary. We started with around Rs 8,200 crore for 10 years (2008-17). In the next five-year period (2018-22), the rights were sold for Rs 16,347 crore. And in the current period (2023-27), IPL media rights were sold for Rs 48,390 crore over five years,” Dhumal said.He added, “Given the engagement with the fans and the interest this tournament has generated so far, I am sure the same ride will continue. The trend will continue. You may have also seen the two recent deals of Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which are currently underway.”Dhumal said that the IPL has set a benchmark in the sports business through an unprecedented increase in media rights.“There is no other property, especially a sports property, that has made such a return in such a short period of time. It took decades for the National Football League (NFL) to become what it is today. Over the last 18 years, the return on investment that the IPL has generated has been phenomenal,” he said.
No other business could return 20 times over a period of about 18 years.
IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal
“No other business would have given 20 times profit in a period of about 18 years. India is also a unique country. Cricket is a sport and a religion that binds the entire nation together.“And the USP of the IPL, in my opinion, is the quality of sports that it generates. Many matches go down to the wire and, in a 3.5-hour game, every ball becomes an event. Given that kind of traction, I’m very hopeful that we’ll get significant traction in the coming media rights cycle.”Apart from business, IPL has also played a major role in making India a cricketing powerhouse, added Dhumal.“The talent has always been there in India, but the question was how to provide opportunities to the players? That platform is provided by the IPL. If we have to field three different teams for three bilateral series at once, India will still compete. “This depth is there because of IPL. I would also like to appreciate all our franchise partners for their contribution over the last 18-19 years,” he said.
