IPL style T20 leagues – A global need!

The wonderful concept of the Indian Premier League has become one of the most successful and popular sporting events in the world. The event is broadcast in most of the countries around the world. On the tune of IPL, the recently concluded Indian Badminton league has also proved to be a grand success. Even a proposal to hold an IPL- style football league in India has already been finalized and it is likely to take place in January 2014.

Just a few days back, the prestigious newspaper Hindustan Times had published a story regarding the comments by Pakistani captain Misbah-Ul- Haq, emphasizing the need for holding an IPL-style league in Pakistan. In fact, Misbah has urged the country’s cricket chiefs to revive plans for an IPL-style t20 league in order to get his players to sharpen their skills. Since 2009, when militants attacked the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, no international cricketing event has taken place in Pakistan.

Misbah opined that organizing an IPL-style t20 international league is the need of the hour. And if not possible in Pakistan, it should be held in Dubai. He said that it will certainly enhance the skill level of young Pakistani cricketers. Though, as per the news item, PCB had initially planned to host Pakistan Super League in March-April 2014, but they want to give little more time to the sponsors.

Incidentally, the modern T20 version of the game was first started in England and the first league was known as Benson and Hedges cup in 2002. Thereafter, the T20 league format was followed by various countries across the globe. The latest in this series was the recently concluded Caribbean Premier League held by the West Indian Cricket Board. The Australian domestic T20, called the Big Bash League, features city- based franchises. This league had begun in 2005-2006 and is quite popular among the local crowd.

Friends Life t20 is another current league, which is run by the ECB and it consists of 18 first class county sides. The spectators get to see many of their local favorites doing well. Additionally, the Sri Lankan Premier League held by the Sri Lanka cricket board was only played once in 2012. Incidentally, the 2013 edition was unfortunately cancelled because the franchises could not deposit the bank guarantees in time.

Overall, owing to its format and scale, leagues like the IPL have emerged as the most reliable source of talent hunt as well. Also, they have given a lifeline to many of the international stars to show their skill and earn substantially.

Although it is debatable whether such leagues are a long term solution for cricket’s revival, but the format is certainly one which attracts people of all ages. These leagues have ensured that the crowd gets the entire entertainment package in a short span of time.