The IPL generates more revenue than the English Premier League: Sourav Ganguly
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) President Sourav Ganguly has said that the Indian Premier League (IPL) generates more revenue than the prestigious football league Premier League (EPL). This year’s IPL saw the addition of two new teams – the title-holders Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants.
The 10-team tournament witnessed an increase in the total number of matches to 74 (70 league + four knockouts) and the duration of the event stretched well over two months for the first time since its inception in 2008. The grand finale at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad that was contested between GT and the Rajasthan Royals was attended by more than one lakh people.
“I’ve seen the game evolve, where players like me earned a few hundreds and now have the potential of earning crores. This game is run by the fans, by the people of this country, and by the BCCI, which was formed by cricket fans. This sport is strong and will continue to evolve,” said Ganguly at India Leadership Council Event while speaking to Deepak Lamba, CEO, Worldwide Media, President, Times Strategic Solutions Limited.
“The IPL generates more revenue than the English Premier League. It makes me feel happy and proud that the sport I love has evolved to become so strong,” he added.
It was speculated in January that the 15th edition of the cash-rich tournament would take place in South Africa before the organisers finalized on fixing four venues across Mumbai and Pune and scheduled it in India. The knockouts were played in two different cities. While the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosted Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and the final were contested in Ahmedabad.
More importantly, the 2022 season also witnessed two of the most successful teams Mumbai Indians and the Chennai Super Kings finishing at the rock bottom while the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s heartbreak continued as they had an off day in the second qualifier against RR.
