Arun Dhumal, the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed optimism about the league's trajectory, foreseeing a remarkable increase in its media rights value to potentially reach USD 50 billion over the next two decades.
With the IPL's media rights surging from INR 6,000 crore to INR 48,000 crore, it has secured its place as the second-most lucrative sporting league globally, following the National Football League (NFL).
Dhumal emphasized the IPL's significant growth and its potential as a catalyst for further evolution in the next decade. He highlighted the importance of continuous innovation, enhanced fan engagement, and an emphasis on elevating the quality of games to sustain this growth.
Anticipating a promising future, Dhumal noted the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics and the rise of the Women's Premier League (WPL), signaling positive developments in cricket's global expansion and prospects, especially for women's cricket.
Reflecting on the IPL's impact on India's global perception, Dhumal underscored its status as the most-watched cricket league worldwide. He emphasized how the IPL showcases India's diversity, culture, and regional differences, allowing global audiences to witness various facets of the country as teams span across different regions.
Discussing fan engagement and insights, Dhumal praised the extensive fanbase of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) franchise, highlighting the fans' enthusiasm and support not just for Team India but also for their respective IPL teams, a testament to the league's widespread popularity. He acclaimed the IPL as a quintessential "Make in India" brand post-independence, symbolizing India's success and growth on a global sporting platform.
(With Agency Inputs)
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