iSport | For the Fans, by the Fans

Flamboyance is the way of existence in today’s times. We often hear of words like globalization and consumerism. Advertisers cash in on this feeling and market us easy short run solutions which turn out to be disastrous in the long run.
Why would IPL be any different?

The whopping amounts the two new teams have gone for make you pinch yourself. I for one honestly thought that Mr. Lalit Modi had slipped up while announcing the Sahara bid; Rs. 1702 crores! My disbelief was propounded and endorsed when I heard the next announcement. The second team went for Rs. 1533.33 crores. Mr. Lalit Modi beamed uninhibited. The cringing amounts at stake make you wonder about the viability of such expensive and daring bids. All the current eight teams put together went for about Rs. 2480 crores and these two have gone for Rs. 3233.33 crores alone.

Considering the fact that these teams are just about breaking even now – in the third season – raises questions about the profitability of the two new ventures. If you add to that, the fact that these teams will be based in second tier cities; Pune and Kochi, also endorses the doubts above. Pune was bought by the Sahara group for Rs. 1702 crores and Kochi by Rendezvous Sports for Rs. 1533.33 crores. These cities will definitely not enjoy the spending power that most of the current teams based mostly in metros enjoy. That would probably mean lesser ticket rates and the rates at which various merchandise is sold.

Next, we have the dearth of star players; most of whom have already rendered their services to existing franchisees. That would probably mean an ineffective fan base. The icon players in the first season greatly helped to create the city loyalties that have emerged now. I wonder if there is an iconic player from Pune or Kochi; except maybe Sreesanth who is with Kings XI Punjab.

In addition, there is the small matter of the World Cup in India early next year. Won’t such a carnival of cricket just before the IPL hamper the preparations of the new franchisees? The BCCI will be focussing its entire attention on the World Cup and the teams will have to fend for themselves.

All these doubts and a few more that will emerge as we move on are valid ones. But, wasn’t the creation of the IPL one of the most brilliantly, risky and doubtful decision in the history of cricket? And as they say the rest is history. The billion dollar baby of Indian Cricket was based on such doubts and it has smashed all of them out of the park! The fortunes of the new teams; both on the field and in the bank, are a mouth watering prospect. I can’t wait for IPL 4! What about you?