The IPL Buzz

There it is back again. One of the biggest sports tournaments in the world has to be the IPL. ‘THE INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE’. The tournament was recently conducted a few months ago in the UAE, and it has once again returned back home in India such is its impact and brand value. Even though the IPL kicks off today 9th April between the defending champions Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore, the preparations and hype started off almost three months before.

Originating back to the year 2008, the cash-rich league is played every year in the months of April and May, especially to attract the younger audience during their summer break. The tournament includes the original 8 teams: Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Rajasthan Royals. These teams take part in a round-robin tournament, where each team plays each other twice in a home-away format in the league phase. At the conclusion of the league phase, the top four teams qualify for the knockout rounds.

The most recent season, IPL 2020, was conducted against all odds in the difficult situation of the coronavirus. The tournament was originally scheduled during the April-May window, but due to the rise and rise of COVID-19, it was eventually postponed. After tons of preparation, IPL 2020 was rescheduled in the September-October window in the UAE, and players and support staff would be in a bio-bubble. The tournament was conducted smoothly without any rise of COVID-19 cases. With no fans allowed inside the stadiums, the streaming viewership broke all records. Cricket fans were literally begging for some good cricketing action, and IPL 2020 provided them with some thrilling affairs.

The concept of the IPL is very simple. In India, cricket is a religion and almost everyone watches it. And with the IPL being yet another cricket tournament, it’s a festival for Indians. During the two months during which it is played, people can’t resist watching the T20 extravaganza. MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, and MONEY. Players from all over the world are encouraged to play this league because of the word MONEY. The Indian cricket board earns in crores for just one match day, and the tournament consists of a total of 60 matches! Advertisements, Sponsorships, overseas players, etcetera. together build the IPL. Without all this, IPL would be any other local tournament and it wouldn’t be as popular as it is now. There is loads of talent which are unearthed by this tournament and really benefits Indian cricket. There is a lot of excitement and entertainment because of this tournament, but in different ways, it really boosts Indian cricket.

There is no denying the fact that IPL is very exciting and nail-biting. Even in tough times like these, it brings a lot of joy and fun. We can easily support our favourite overseas players, and it doesn’t matter regardless of their countries. But why? Cricket is fun to watch, but why don’t we give such importance to other sports in India? Before independence in India, the Britishers used this sport as a symbol of superiority and racism. For people playing cricket then, it was a sign of success and equality.

Hockey is the national sport of India, but cricket has replaced it unofficially. There is a lot of buzz and hype before the start of the IPL, but is it the same for the Indian Super League, or the MCC Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament, Champions Tennis League, etcetera? I bet most people reading haven’t even heard of these tournaments. Most youngsters who opt to pursue any other sports other than cricket as their career are automatically discouraged because of the fact that these sports are not given equal importance. I’m not against IPL or cricket and my main point is to make people aware of the fact that there are other sports other than cricket that they can watch. Squash is one of the sports that people haven’t even heard of in their life, whereas it is a very recognized sport in other countries.

All sports apart from cricket have a low budget compared to what they should deserve. People generally play other sports to secure a government job, which I think has really lowered their image and expectations. It’s us who can change the world, and bring about change and equality in sports in our nation. IPL is a very successful league from where it started, and it is a money machine that keeps multiplying instead of dropping. In a few hours, the 2021 edition of the IPL will get underway, and as always, it’s expected to be more successful than ever. I hope this article will spread awareness amongst people of giving importance to other sports as well (I’m not an exception in such things).

However popular and money-making the IPL is, it isn't the IPL's fault. It’s us people who have made it to the spotlight, and only we can take it back. Had we given equal importance to all sports, there would never have been such a discussion. All of us including me, our chief contributors and it’s because of us why the tournament is so profitable. We may deny it, but all of us at some point in time have played and watched cricket, and more importantly enjoyed it. Even if you’re not a cricket follower, I suggest you watch the T20 extravaganza and keep yourself happy in tough times. Do comment on which your favourite IPL team is and also how much you’d rate IPL on a scale of 1 to 10. Until next time, stay safe and healthy.

Adios.