Let's talk IPL

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Picture credits: in.bookmyshow.com

It’s here. It’s that time of the year, the summers in India, the heat and humidity is here and so is the most loved cricket league in the World- The Indian Premier League (IPL) is here.  This year will mark the 11th edition of the IPL. It is huge, it is bigger and it gets better and better every year. The viewership is getting better year-on-year and the TV ratings have a similar trend too. Started way back in 2008 and 10 years later you’re seeing the most valued cricket league- $5.3 billion (2017).

No other T20 cricket league has come close to IPL in terms of brand value or its viewership, be it Australia’s Big Bash or England’s T20 Blast. In all the other sport leagues, IPL ranks in Top 10 of the most viewed leagues in the World. Unlike other leagues which are side-lined by International fixtures, the calendar for most of the Test teams is shut down for IPL, so you know how big this event is which runs over 2 months. The exposure which IPL gives to youngsters, the opportunity to get the eye of the selectors is one thing which cannot be ignored. Also, players willing to make a national come back are eager to show their hunger in the IPL. Cricket fans all across the globe are watching you play, the opportunities are tremendous, not only for Indian players but for foreign players too. It’s a blessing more than a curse to the sport called “Cricket”.

IPL has already completed 10 seasons, and so far 13 teams have been a part of it. Although, there was never a season where more than 8 teams played. The most successful team in the IPL without any doubt is the Mumbai Indians, winning 3 titles in 2013, 2015 and 2017. The moments IPL gives is one the reasons for so many fans waiting for the IPL to start every year. Be it Raina’s 87 off 25 balls or Mumbai Indians chasing 190 in 14.3 overs, IPL has never seen lack of intensity. There is no certainty or dominance of a particular team. All 8 teams are equally capable of winning the title and that’s another major factor for such fan following.

Coming to this year, it is going to be better than ever. Two teams- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are making a comeback after two years. Also, the auction was held in a different way this year than previous years. So, it can be called IPL V2.0. The teams have shuffled and it is going to be interesting what story does the next 10 years of this glorifying league narrate to us.

As of now, get ready for entertainment, IPL 11 is almost here..!!

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