For the third time in six seasons, Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings squared off in the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) main event. MI repeated its 2013 triumph, drawing level with CSK and Kolkata Knight Riders as owners of two titles in the eight-year-old tournament. MI’s success was particularly remarkable because it recovered from four consecutive losses at the start to win 10 of its next 12 matches. Neutrals could partake in the franchise’s joy too, for this win brought glory to the back-room staff that included fan-favourites Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble and Jonty Rhodes — legends whose understanding of the Twenty20 format is informed by their intimate knowledge of Test and one-day cricket. The presence of such experienced minds in the MI camp helped it override the early crisis. CSK has come to define the tournament, but has now lost its last three IPL finals. While the retention of a core group of players has helped the team become a constant presence in the knockouts – CSK has never finished below the top four – it has failed to guide the franchise past the final hurdle. Nevertheless, the frequent appearance of CSK and MI in the play-offs suggests a correlation between consistency of personnel and the chance of victory.
The tournament’s success can be attributed to consistency as well — consistency of both the product and its appeal. Despite criticism, it has engaged, over eight seasons, an audience that has a plethora of entertainment options. According to viewership figures and advertisement rates for television coverage, there isn’t a bigger box office draw for the cricket fan. Buoyed by the support, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has mooted plans to organise a shorter IPL to replace the Champions League T20 event later this year. Despite the participation of the best domestic sides from other major cricketing nations, the latter tournament has failed to excite expert and fan alike. With a revenue model that appears to work in place, the BCCI has been encouraged to believe that two tournaments involving solely IPL teams can coexist. That the IPL has contributed to improving the standards of the Twenty20 format, both domestically and internationally, has come to be recognised; but the fear that it could cannibalise other forms of cricket has not receded. The tournament’s standing continues to be threatened as well. The scandal involving betting and different forms of fixing besmirched its reputation. Suspicions were again raised when the Enforcement Directorate conducted raids and arrested bookies across Indian cities. With India set to host next year’s World T20, it will strengthen its reputation as cricket’s pre-eminent power if its actions protect the IPL from corruption.
