Annually, from the months of April to May or June, an intriguing event occurs: an event that has been captivating audiences the world over since its inauguration seven years ago in 2008. The Indian Premier League, a creation of the much-maligned BCCI, continues to draw in record viewership, with numbers only growing as each season passes.
Purists seem to berate the tournament, believing that T20 games in their entirety are pointless and draw attention away from the more traditional Test arena. T20s, according to the purists are a mere distraction from real cricket and cannot be considered a true form of the gentleman’s game. Bowlers are smashed to all corners of the ground and unconventional swings are the order of the day. However, that is precisely why so many of us love it.
Where else would you get to witness AB de Villiers annihilate his compatriot for 22 runs in a single over or see the likes of Miller and Maxwell, from two great rival nations, batting together in a stunningly exquisite display for Kings XI Punjab? Sure, other tournaments like the Big Bash and the Carribean Premier League have recently burst onto the scene, but with the IPL being broadcast globally and being hosted by the world’s second most highly populated nation, it remains the pinnacle in T20 tournaments.
With its eight magnificent locations situated all around the cricket mad nation of India, it is no surprise to see stadiums filled to the brim with passionate supporters desperate to see their local yet star-studded team perform. From the Wankhede in Mumbai to the M. Chinnaswamy in Bangalore, each stadium has its own unique character and beauty, and the capacities can rival the biggest stadiums of any sport in the world.
Individuals may argue that it is a platform to promote Indian cricket with players from other countries barely playing a role. Four foreign players per team may be a rather slim quota, but it is worth remembering that it is an India-based tournament merely boosted by the presence of global superstars. With the other seven players in the team consisting of a balance of young and experienced Indians, Indian cricketers are given a significant platform on which to showcase their skills. The Big Bash and Carribean Premier League are examples of emulation based on admiration of the IPL: both Australia and the West Indies hope to unearth future gems at these events.
The Indians have their platform, but the foreigners are still greatly involved in lighting up the stage with their magnificent batting and bowling. Some aren’t even world renowned stars but rather players on the fringes of their national side, eager for an opportunity to prove their worth. Players such as Chris Morris and Sean Abbott, who were picked up by Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore respectively, will benefit greatly from a stint in the IPL: a chance to show the world their true capabilities.
Let’s not forget the seasoned veterans who grace the IPL with their brilliance year after year. Who among us is not eagerly anticipating seeing the brilliance of the world’s most destructive batsmen such as Virat Kohli, Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, all of whom, somewhat extraordinarily, will feature in the same team, hit boundaries galore? Who among us cannot wait to witness the amazing bowling spells from the world’s best in what is essentially a batsmen’s game? After the intriguing conclusion of the Cricket World Cup, it is going to be riveting to witness friends become foes and rivals unite as team-mates.
Let’s enjoy the event that produced 714 sixes and 18909 runs last year; let’s enjoy it for the stunning spectacle that it is and leave behind our personal prejudices against T20 cricket. For a month and a half, it’s best to appreciate the IPL for what it primarily is—beautiful, enthralling entertainment.
