The fuel that makes the IPL go boom

One wishes the Indian Premier League would miraculously transform into a serious cricket tournament. One where the battle between bat and ball is giving more prominence than the flashy, uncoordinated dances of the jumpy cheerleaders, where the commentators call a hit over the boundary a ‘six’ and not a phrase laden with the stench of revenue, one where the pre-match talk actually discusses cricket and the intricacies of the game and not the colour of Navjot Singh Sidhu’s turban and definitely not anything said by Navjot Singh Sidhu.

Of course, the business venture known as the IPL, has raked in the sunshine using this very formula of fireworks over the game, strategically placed time outs and the over-bearing sense that this is a carnival, not a cricket tournament. The advertisements before this year’s season went as far as to literally depict the tournament as a carnival by creating a rather creative, CGI-woven fair with rides featuring prominent cricketers.

However, all the hype and hoopla surrounding the yearly funfair seems to have reached its point of satiety as recent TRP ratings have shown a significant drop (19%) in viewership. Even the pointless and drag of an opening ceremony grabbed the fewest eyeballs compared to the previous seasons. While the ratings aren’t bad when compared to other reality shows, in contrast to the previous seasons of the tourney, it is a major drop.

But the IPL bosses can breathe deep as the viewership from other sources, like the new 3G devices and the internet, has risen by 56%. Even then, though, the number of people watching the IPL has drastically reduced.

It could’ve been assumed that this year’s season would have been greeted with open and grateful arms, especially after the horrid year the Indian cricket team had been having. The arrival of the IPL could have been seen as a light in the dark cave the Indian team had driven fans into and the excitement would have, should have, guaranteed a successful season.

That isn’t to say the season isn’t successful. The IPL still holds the highest ratings amongst its reality show competitors and has no competition. And honestly, if a billionaire loses a million dollars, would it make so much of a difference? The only worrying questions to be asked are; each season has seen the viewership spiral down and one day it could reach a level low enough to ruffle a few rich feathers. If a time like that does arrive, will the IPL’s run be halted? Or, looking at a larger and even more dangerous picture, is the fan’s interest in the sport dwindling?

The insipid opening ceremony, an ordinary start to the season and a lack of superstars adorning their presence in the stands may have shied a few away from their television sets. Stadiums have been full, though. The allure of sitting and watching superstars doing what they do best still holds high value and that is what will keep it going.

While the IPL hasn’t been entertaining or high scoring by any means, the ‘cricket’ aspect of the tournament has certainly come to the fore. Previous editions were adamant on forcing the glitz and glamour down our throats. This year though, the cricket has been better and, even if not as entertaining as before, it would please the eyes of a few purists. But that unfortunately is what could bring the downfall of the tournament.

The IPL’s fuel is the people who watch the game. If they begin to dry up, the tournament will stop running. While graceful shots and strategic bowling is world renowned, if people want DLF Maximums and Karbonn Kamaal Catches, they must get DLF Maximums and Karbonn Kamaal Catches. The IPL has labelled itself as a carnival, as a ride promised with entertainment and high-tension matches, and that is their worst mistake. Cricketers are cricketers. They’ll dance in ads for you, sing at after-parties but while on the field, they will play cricket. It’s time the IPL changed its stance and promised cricket and not too much more.

You may also like

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/13/why-we-dont-make-kkr-jokes-and-cartoons-anymore/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/15/the-knights-take-on-the-kings-preview/