IPL- second most important league after EPL: Rajiv Shukla

It is a well-established fact that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the marquee cricket event where best players from all over the globe convene to participate in the tournament.

Therefore, the quality of the cricket is almost unmatched when compared with the rest of the leagues in the world. IPL Commissioner, Rajiv Shukla, recently announced taking the tournament to places such as UK, America, and Dubai.

IPL already scaled unchartered heights with the multi-billion dollar broadcast deal with Star Networks.

With the move of going abroad, Shukla reckons the league can match any tournament in the world. Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) cash-rich baby is already amongst the elite list of popular leagues such as National Football League (NFL), English Premier League (EPL), and National Basketball Association (NBA).

“We are planning to take it overseas, to places like Dubai, the UK and also America. We are not able to figure out where it (broadcast rights and sponsorship) will peak … but I think after the EPL, this is the most important league. It can match any league,” IPL commissioner Rajiv Shukla told AFP.

Shukla then pointed out towards the turnout at the Fan Parks organized in the Tier-II cities, which signifies the growing popularity of the tournament.

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We are showing IPL throughout the world: Shukla

“In (Indian) cities where we don’t host matches, we organise fan parks where we invite people to watch the match on the big screen. So 20,000-30,000 people are coming to the fan parks,” he said.

People in Australia and New Zealand were able to watch all matches of the tournament this season for the first time in IPL history, after signing a deal with Fox Sports.

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“The fan following and the viewers are increasing every year. In terms of revenue, it’s also doing wonderfully well. Now we are showing IPL throughout the world,” concluded Rajiv Shukla.