Ravichandran Ashwin, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, has expressed his thoughts on the exponential growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He emphasized how the IPL has become so colossal that, at times, the essence of cricket itself seems to diminish, with players finding themselves caught between training regimes and promotional commitments.
Ashwin reflected on his journey in the IPL, initially joining to learn from seasoned players but witnessing its transformation into a mammoth sporting spectacle.
“In some instances, I question whether the IPL still embodies the essence of cricket, as the sporting aspect often takes a backseat amidst its enormity,” remarked Ashwin, who has been a key player for the Rajasthan Royals franchise.
Having commenced his IPL journey with the Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin’s success paved the way to donning the national team jersey across various formats. He reminisced about the early days of the IPL, highlighting the unforeseen growth it has undergone since its inception. He added, “The IPL has surpassed all expectations in terms of growth.”
“Conversations from the league’s nascent stages, such as one with Scott Styris during our time at CSK, never envisioned its enduring success,” shared Ashwin during an episode of the Club Prairie Fire podcast hosted by Michael Vaughan and Adam Gilchrist.
R Ashwin stepped up with the bat
Ashwin also shed light on the significant role played by the IPL auctions in shaping the league’s landscape. With players securing staggering deals year after year. Notably, Mitchell Starc‘s recent record-breaking contract with the Kolkata Knight Riders exemplifies the financial magnitude of the tournament. “While the auctions remain pivotal, the evolution of franchises in assembling balanced teams showcases the IPL’s dynamism.”
“It’s not merely about individual players or financial investments; the collective effort defines success,” noted Ashwin, who has represented multiple IPL franchises including the Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals.
The IPL’s commercial prowess was underscored back in 2022 when its media rights were sold for a staggering Rs 48,390 crore. Solidifying its status as one of the world’s most lucrative sporting events. This monumental deal positioned the IPL as the second most valuable league globally on a per-match basis, trailing only behind the NFL.
In conclusion, Ashwin’s reflections offer insights into the IPL’s evolution from a cricketing tournament to a global phenomenon, transcending boundaries and redefining the sporting landscape.
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