The Indian Premier League (IPL), the world’s richest cricket league and a notable decacorn, is poised to commence its 17th season entirely in India from March 22, despite coinciding with the Lok Sabha elections. This decision was confirmed by IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal, who emphasized the league’s collaboration with government agencies to ensure a smooth rollout of the tournament schedule. Initially, the schedule for the first 15 days will be released, with plans to announce the roster for subsequent games post the Lok Sabha elections date declaration, anticipated in the second week of March.
This announcement aligns with prior expectations set by media forecasts, indicating the league’s start date and its potential overlap with the general elections, a scenario that previously led to matches being hosted overseas. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) remains committed to staging the entire season within the cricket-enthusiastic nation, reflecting a confidence bolstered by the league’s significant growth in brand value. According to Brand Finance, the IPL has experienced a notable 28% increase in its combined brand value, reaching an impressive $10.7 billion, and an overall surge of 433% since its inception in 2008.
The 2024 season of the IPL is expected to run until May 26, closely preceding the ICC T20 World Cup set to begin on June 2 in the US and the Caribbean, with India’s first match against Ireland on June 5. This tight schedule underscores the IPL’s critical role in the cricketing calendar and its significant impact on the sport’s economic and cultural landscape in India. Moreover, the IPL’s media rights value is projected to reach an astounding $50 billion over the next two decades, as stated by Dhumal, highlighting the league’s monumental influence and potential for future growth.
