Sunday, June 3, 2012

Indian Premier League: A plethora of opportunities


The fifth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded recently with Kolkata Knight Riders lifting the trophy. IPL has evoked mixed response, with the proponents calling it perhaps the best thing that has ever happened to cricket while the critics have constantly blackguarded the IPL, calling it a mere money spinner, likening it to a horse race, and what not.
The IPL has given rise to a number of opportunities on and off the field. IPL has evolved as a platform for implementation of ideas and technologies. The strategic time outs and the ultra motion run out cameras have taken the game to a new level and several of these technologies and ideas will soon be tested at the international level.
The IPL has provided a great opportunity for new players to evolve and understand the game in a better way. A few years ago most players representing local clubs and teams like railways could not even dream of playing alongside the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne and being mentored by the likes of Anil Kumble and Wasim Akram, which is now a common sight! A few years ago cricketing rivalry made sure that opponents did not see eye to eye, but today players get a chance to share the dressing room with their international opponents where they share ideas and develop new understanding, which is good for the game.
A large number of former players too have benefitted greatly from the IPL. They now play an active part in the management of the teams along with coaching and mentoring youngsters. Several former players who could not do well in their playing days have grabbed the opportunity provided by IPL with both hands and have played a great role in the successful turnaround of several teams. IPL has also evolved as a platform where the contributions made by some former players have been acknowledged and these players have been handsomely rewarded by the BCCI.
Off the field, the IPL has presented vast opportunities to advertisers, companies, broadcasters, etc. Advertisers and companies have come up with innovative ideas to market their products to get associated with brand IPL. Terms like “DLF Maximum” and “Karbonn Kamaal Catch” are classical examples of embedded marketing. The brand/company names have been prominently displayed on the jerseys of the players, making it impossible to overlook them.
The public at large has been thoroughly entertained with eclectic commentary during the IPL matches which has always been promoted as a medium of family entertainment. Conversations with players and coaches during the match and the recent management case studies based on IPL have helped us to develop a deeper understanding of the game and the way it is played in modern times.
It should not be forgotten that controversies have been a part and parcel of IPL. Critics often call IPL the “Indian Paisa League” and allegations like Spot-Fixing and FEMA violations repeatedly come up. Some critics have gone even to the extent of asking a ban on the IPL! We need to ensure that steps are taken so that the gentleman’s game maintains its sanctity and, in the mad rush to attain glory and money, young cricketing brains and talent are not polluted.
If the faults and ills associated with the IPL are taken care of, IPL will definitely emerge as a breeding ground for fresh ideas, talent and entertainment.