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TimesofIndia.com in Dharamsala: Arun Singh Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, is among the few BCCI administrators who have consistently spoken aggressively about the world’s richest cricket league and its media rights growth.In an exclusive chat with TimesofIndia.com, Dhumal explained the value the IPL has created over the last 18 years and the reasons behind its remarkable growth.“If you see the kind of exponential growth that IPL media rights have witnessed since its inception, it has been phenomenal. We started with about Rs 8,200 crore for 10 years (2008-17). In the next five-year cycle (2018-22), the rights were sold for Rs 16,347 crore. And in the current cycle (2023-27), the IPL media rights were sold for Rs 48,390 crore over five years,” said Dhumal.“I am very sure that the same ride will continue, given the kind of engagement we have had with fans and the traction this tournament has generated so far. The same trend will continue. You would also have seen the two recent deals involving Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which are currently under process,” he added.Dhumal said the IPL has set a benchmark in the sports business through its unprecedented media rights surge.“There is no other property, especially a sports property, that has delivered this kind of return in such a short span. It took decades for the National Football League (NFL) to become what it is today. In these last 18 years, the kind of return on investment the IPL has generated has been phenomenal,” he said.
No other business would have delivered a 20-fold return in a period of around 18 years
IPL governing council chairman Arun Dhumal
“No other business would have delivered a 20-fold return in a period of around 18 years. India is also a unique country. Cricket is the one sport and one religion that binds the entire nation together.“And the USP of the IPL, in my opinion, is the quality of games it produces. So 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 am very hopeful that we will command substantial value in the forthcoming media rights cycle.”Dhumal added that beyond business, the IPL has also played a massive role in making India a cricketing powerhouse.“Talent has always been there in India, but the question was how to provide players with opportunities. That platform has been provided by the IPL. Even if we have to field three different teams for three bilateral series simultaneously, India will still be competitive. “That depth exists because of the IPL. I would also like to compliment all our franchise partners for their contribution over the last 18-19 years,” he said.
