Exclusive: Arun Dhumal says IPL’s explosive media rights growth unmatched in global sport Cricket News
TimesofIndia.com in Dharamshala: Arun Singh Dhumal, President of Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council, is one of the few BCCI administrators who has consistently talked aggressively about the growth of the world’s richest cricket league and its media rights.In an exclusive conversation with TimesofIndia.com, Dhumal explained the value created by the IPL over the last 18 years and the reasons behind its remarkable growth.“If you look at the kind of rapid growth we have seen in IPL media rights since the beginning, it is unprecedented. We started with around 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), IPL media rights were sold for Rs 48,390 crore over five years,” Dhumal said.He said, “I am confident that given the kind of connect we have had with the fans and the attraction that this tournament has generated so far, the same trend will continue. You may have also seen two recent deals involving Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore, which are currently in the process.”Dhumal said that IPL has set a benchmark in the sports business through its unprecedented media rights.He said, “There is no other property, especially a sports property, that has generated such returns in such a short period of time. It took decades for the National Football League (NFL) to become what it is today. Over these last 18 years, the kind of returns on investment that the IPL has generated is unprecedented.”
No other business would have given 20x returns in a period of almost 18 years
IPL Governing Council Chairman Arun Dhumal
“No other business would have given 20 times returns in a period of about 18 years. India is also a unique country. Cricket is a game and a religion that binds the entire nation together.“And the USP of the IPL, in my opinion, is the quality of the games it produces. So many matches go down to the wire and, in a 3.5-hour game, every ball becomes an event. Given such attraction, I am fully hopeful that we will capture substantial value in the upcoming media rights cycle.”Dhumal said that beyond business, IPL has also played a big role in making India a cricket superpower.“The talent in India has always been there, but the question was how to provide opportunities to the players. 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. “This depth exists because of the IPL. I would also like to appreciate all our franchise partners for their contribution over the last 18-19 years,” he said.