Is the IPL overrated?

[babajee]

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

 

[Mamoon]

90% of the contemporary world class cricketers play in the IPL, which makes it international standard by default.

Moreover, elite cricketers like Joe Root are desperate to play in the IPL because it will help them improve as T20 cricketers.

I cannot imagine someone like Joe Root holding his hand up and stating that he wants to improve as a T20 cricketer by playing alongside the pensioners and dead cricketers in the empty stadiums of the UAE.

The IPL has reached a stage where it is now more than just the money at stake. Players now look at it as an opportunity to improve as cricketers, and the pressure to perform is quite high.

If the other leagues offer the same money as the IPL and the players can only choose to play in one league only, every single cricketer around the world will opt to play in the IPL, because after ten years of success and glory, there is an added prestige associated with it that is missing in other leagues.

The fact is that even Pakistani players would happily opt for the IPL over the PSL if given the chance, and that is why they have been vocal about their desire to play in the IPL over the last few years.

So no, the IPL is not overrated. It is the best T20 league in the world by miles and is the gold standard. All other leagues are nothing but poor imitations.

Unless the BCCI collapses and goes bankrupt, no other league has any chance of getting anywhere close to the IPL.

This is the truth, the only truth. I am sorry if you wanted to hear something else.

 

[giri26]

Sorry not all games in a league can have nail biting finishes. If there are 50 games you might have 10 or so close finishes. How many international games are nail-biting finishes. Even the games played between two equal sides? Most of them are one-sided affairs. So not sure what you are talking about. The Quality of cricket is poor in all leagues. I did not watch a ball of PSL, so cannot comment but any international player playing in these leagues has no affiliation with the clubs and is not emotionally attached to the city or state he is representing. The players come to these leagues only to earn money and there is bound to be less than 100% effort by current international players to avoid injury. I watched BBL entirely this season and the quality at sometimes was appalling. These are leagues to generate money and are just spectacle. You cannot consider these more than that.

 

[WengerOut]

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

If you are a football fan , you can try replacing some of the words in your question and check out

1) EPL / La liga / Bundesliga for IPL
2) Football for cricket

 

[kingusama92]

Not overrated because it's the best league (financially/quality of teams/glamor). But, it has issues.

I know there's a slight bias to what I'm about to say but it would be a far better tournament with Pakistani players in it.

Here are the two issues that stand out for me.

1) Too many matches
2) No Pakistani players (especially the bowlers)

I usually just watch the highlights but the middle of the tournament is a real drag barring the odd superstar performance (i.e. ABDV going off, Gayle's sixes)

 

[KingKhanWC]

Only watched the first ever season. All I can remember is the Paksitani bowlers found it easy pickings. If I can recall Sohail Tanvir took the most wickets?

IPL is very over-rated. Its all Bollywood style hype with most money in cricket, nothing more.

 

[Varun]

Put it this way: if you missed watching an entire season of the IPL, you won't be pining for it during the rest of the year when real cricket is on display.

And if you did manage to catch an encounter between the Gujarat Gorillas and the Hyderabad Sunflowers, you won't even remember it six months down the line.

 

[Bilal7]

Put it this way: if you missed watching an entire season of the IPL, you won't be pining for it during the rest of the year when real cricket is on display.

And if you did manage to catch an encounter between the Gujarat Gorillas and the Hyderabad Sunflowers, you won't even remember it six months down the line.

I'm glad that there are sensible fans from both countries that can agree that T20 leagues are pretty damn useless. Yes, the players definitely have it better than ever before in terms of money but the IPL, PSL, BBL and every other mickey mouse league out there has done absolutely nothing to help the game of cricket.

I don't buy that these leagues have improved the skills of players. Firstly, you are never going to learn anything about test cricket in a dumb, 20-over slog and that is the purest form of cricket available. Secondly, ODIs have always been dominated by quality death bowlers, economical spinners and lower-order hitters/finishers so no, the T20 leagues have not taught the players how to be these three things.

 

[PakLFC]

No. It is the best and most attractive T20 franchise. You see, I do give India credit where it deserves it. That been said I don't watch any T20 leagues at all. It's fake Cricket.

 

[Mamba Red]

The Big Bash is the second best league obviously we can't compete with the IPL as the population of India alone is massive.

But we do quite well better stadiums, facilities for the spectators we are a sporting nation but the IPL will always be number 1 because like I said the TV viewership alone and they generate a lot of money through sponsors.

We don't have 1.3 billion people in Australia our population is only 24 million.

I think in a decade or so the Big Bash and other T20 leagues are going to be a feeder for the IPL.

 

[jnaveen1980]

IPL is cricket equivalent of EPL, NBA, NFL. Period. I have never seen this much cricket following from women until the IPL began. Even i doubted whether they could sustain for a very long period. Over they years they got bigger and better. Rivlaries like CSK vs MI only added spice. It indirectly helps identifying hidden talents. From perspective of pakistan fan i can understand it is not that good as it has no player participation from Pakistan. But if you toss aside bias and follow a team and root for it , you will be hooked on. It is entirely driven by franchise fans. You should only visit the facebook pages of each team and see how involved fans are. I am a neutral observer. I am mainly in it to watch some matches. I watch even super six if someone shows it. BEtter than sas bahu serials. Some cricket, some entertainment. I want all serials to be banned lol. Atleast IPL temporarily stops it.

 

[JaDed]

The disclaimer is as good as the ones on cigarette packs.

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

The only memory I have watching any sort of IPL is probably from the inagural season in which Pakistani players were playing.

And if my memory serves me right the highlight was Sohail 'The Phenom' Tanvir wrecking havoc left, right and center.

I am not entirely sure what it offers now (in terms of cricketing quality) since I don't watch it but considering it doesn't have the services of the best T20 team in the world I am not too entirely sure what exactly I would get as a spectator!

That does not however mean that it's an 'overrated' league or something that doesn't offer value for money. Right now, IPL is undoutedly the highest generating cricketing league out there (in terms of finance) but that escalation in their overall revenue is by the sheer factor of their population and something which can be termed as a natural habitat which the BCCI has used very wisely.

Another factor that I experienced during that first season (and this is based on something I saw in 2007, and I am not sure how it is right now) was the involvement of Bollywood which I particularly didn't enjoy and personally I believe these types of gimmicks should not be included in a sporting event. Similarly I despise when in PSL they start interviewing non cricketing celebrities or people who have no affiliation with cricket whatsoever! PLEASE STOP THIS NONSENSE.

P.S. Not trying to have a go at IPL but my narrative is based on something that I saw almost a decade ago. Furthermore, THIS IS JUST AN OPINION (If you don't like what I had to say, you can move on with your life......)

 

[WengerOut]

The only memory I have watching any sort of IPL is probably from the inagural season in which Pakistani players were playing.

And if my memory serves me right the highlight was Sohail 'The Phenom' Tanvir wrecking havoc left, right and center.

I am not entirely sure what it offers now (in terms of cricketing quality) since I don't watch it but considering it doesn't have the services of the best T20 team in the world I am not too entirely sure what exactly I would get as a spectator!

That does not however mean that it's an 'overrated' league or something that doesn't offer value for money. Right now, IPL is undoutedly the highest generating cricketing league out there (in terms of finance) but that escalation in their overall revenue is by the sheer factor of their population and something which can be termed as a natural habitat which the BCCI has used very wisely.

Another factor that I experienced during that first season (and this is based on something I saw in 2007, and I am not sure how it is right now) was the involvement of Bollywood which I particularly didn't enjoy and personally I believe these types of gimmicks should not be included in a sporting event. Similarly I despise when in PSL they start interviewing non cricketing celebrities or people who have no affiliation with cricket whatsoever! PLEASE STOP THIS NONSENSE.

P.S. Not trying to have a go at IPL but my narrative is based on something that I saw almost a decade ago. Furthermore, THIS IS JUST AN OPINION (If you don't like what I had to say, you can move on with your life......)

Back in 2008 , Sohail Tanvir was still a novelty and he caused trouble for many batters. Mainstream Indians batted better against him. He got tonked in the final.

The Bollywood interference was overwhelming during earlier IPLs and I guess it was to cater to general public. But i believe it has considerably reduced now. Restricted to film promotion n all. But then i guess that happens everywhere.

 

[rhony]

Mitch Starc going against Smith, Rabada against ABDV. Massive crowds, spectacular coverage and Superstars. Only in IPL!!!

 

[IndianFan2018]

Jeez! Why can't guys stop creating threads every other day about IPL or IPL vs PSL !


On topic, Is IPL is overrated?

Ans: 'NO'

IPL is the best cricket league, richer than ICC in terms of market value, Quality of cricket (refer [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] post #2).

Why mos PAK fans don't like IPL?
Obviously none of the Pak player are playing in IPL from 9 years.

You can call it Sour Grapes or ignorance, IPL is what it is even if few neutral fans including PAK fans agree or not.

End of the day, IPL's source of strength is Indian fans/business men in India and abroad. As long as Indian fans continue to watch and support, IPL will keep growing exponentially in coming years

PS: When IPL was shifted to SA and UAE, still every match attracted fans in huge numbers to stadium. I don't think anyone league can beat that feat

 

[BlackShadow]

90% of the contemporary world class cricketers play in the IPL, which makes it international standard by default.

Moreover, elite cricketers like Joe Root are desperate to play in the IPL because it will help them improve as T20 cricketers.

I cannot imagine someone like Joe Root holding his hand up and stating that he wants to improve as a T20 cricketer by playing alongside the pensioners and dead cricketers in the empty stadiums of the UAE.

The IPL has reached a stage where it is now more than just the money at stake. Players now look at it as an opportunity to improve as cricketers, and the pressure to perform is quite high.

If the other leagues offer the same money as the IPL and the players can only choose to play in one league only, every single cricketer around the world will opt to play in the IPL, because after ten years of success and glory, there is an added prestige associated with it that is missing in other leagues.

The fact is that even Pakistani players would happily opt for the IPL over the PSL if given the chance, and that is why they have been vocal about their desire to play in the IPL over the last few years.

So no, the IPL is not overrated. It is the best T20 league in the world by miles and is the gold standard. All other leagues are nothing but poor imitations.

Unless the BCCI collapses and goes bankrupt, no other league has any chance of getting anywhere close to the IPL.

This is the truth, the only truth. I am sorry if you wanted to hear something else.

Jeez! Why can't guys stop creating threads every other day about IPL or IPL vs PSL !


On topic, Is IPL is overrated?

Ans: 'NO'

IPL is the best cricket league, richer than ICC in terms of market value, Quality of cricket (refer [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] post #2).

Why mos PAK fans don't like IPL?
Obviously none of the Pak player are playing in IPL from 9 years.

You can call it Sour Grapes or ignorance, IPL is what it is even if few neutral fans including PAK fans agree or not.

End of the day, IPL's source of strength is Indian fans/business men in India and abroad. As long as Indian fans continue to watch and support, IPL will keep growing exponentially in coming years

PS: When IPL was shifted to SA and UAE, still every match attracted fans in huge numbers to stadium. I don't think anyone league can beat that feat

Nothing more needs be said.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Only watched the first ever season. All I can remember is the Paksitani bowlers found it easy pickings. If I can recall Sohail Tanvir took the most wickets?

IPL is very over-rated. Its all Bollywood style hype with most money in cricket, nothing more.

How can you say something is overrated if you have not been following for past 9 years? Your opinion is just blinded by hatred nothing else.

Sohail Tanvir took most wickets in season 1 so IPL is overrated? What about Akmals and Bopara dominating PSL, what does that tells you?

Seriously, if you logical reasoning then put forward or else your opinion is blinded by hate nothing else.

 

[CanadianG00se]

NEW TREND ON PP

1) I Dont Watch IPL, yet i know everything thats happening in it. Some people even know who was 4th highest wicket taker from last season. LOL. IM die hard IPL fan and even I couldnt remember that.

2) IPL bowling quality is pedesterian because Pakistani bowlers are not in it. Starc, Rabada, Bumrah, Cummins, Tahir, Boult, Fizz, BK, Woakes, Ngidi, Rashid, Kuldeep, Chahal, Tye etc are all crappy bowlers and will struggle against Mighty Akmals, Ronchis, and Boparas.

3) Quality of cricket in IPL is far worse than a game involving Associate nations.

4) IPL is far too LONG... Says the people who DONT follow it. I MEAN SERIOUSLY, If you dont follow IPL then how the heck does it makes it too long for you?

5) This one is Gold, “IPL have not produced quality player since XYZ”
Why do even have a Ranji games, might as well dissolve it and expand IPL 7months long

 

[CanadianG00se]

Jeez! Why can't guys stop creating threads every other day about IPL or IPL vs PSL !


On topic, Is IPL is overrated?

Ans: 'NO'

IPL is the best cricket league, richer than ICC in terms of market value, Quality of cricket (refer [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] post #2).

Why mos PAK fans don't like IPL?
Obviously none of the Pak player are playing in IPL from 9 years.

You can call it Sour Grapes or ignorance, IPL is what it is even if few neutral fans including PAK fans agree or not.

End of the day, IPL's source of strength is Indian fans/business men in India and abroad. As long as Indian fans continue to watch and support, IPL will keep growing exponentially in coming years

PS: When IPL was shifted to SA and UAE, still every match attracted fans in huge numbers to stadium. I don't think anyone league can beat that feat

Dont bother with facts and figures because its all in vain. Its that time of the year when everyone will make noise to make IPL look some form of evil thing. We might as well get used to it and enjoy the BEST CRICKET LEAGUE

 

[IndianFan2018]

Dont bother with facts and figures because its all in vain. Its that time of the year when everyone will make noise to make IPL look some form of evil thing. We might as well get used to it and enjoy the BEST CRICKET LEAGUE

Better to ignore IPL bashing threads, sometimes feels like showing mirror to few biased posters, Can't help it bro, will try to avoid as much as I can

 

[Oligochaetes]

Nidahas trophy final was better than any IPL or PSL final.

IPL and PSL are over rated. Nidahas Rocks!

 

[saadibaba]

The discussion about the merits of IPL and PSL reminds me what in America can be described as the difference between NBA and NCAA. NBA is the professional basketball league with top talent, top dollars, top quality players and games whereas NCAA is the college/university league with less talent, less quality, more one sided games but the degree of unpredictability is much greater and the connection to ones local team much more genuine and substantial.

I like IPL more than PSL as purely a means of entertainment. Batting is phenomenal and the packed stadiums and crowds add a very much needed mood and environment to the game that instantly latches on to the casual watcher.

However, there is no nail biting, no palpitations, no exasperated sighs that goes along with watching something one has an emotional connection to. PSL provides that despite not bedazzling me as much as IPL does.

Both have a reason to exist and have a place in the world of cricket. IPL will probably stay superior in quality just because of the amount of money that is involved but PSL will always stay closer to my heart because of my city and country's connection.

 

[IndianFan2018]

The discussion about the merits of IPL and PSL reminds me what in America can be described as the difference between NBA and NCAA. NBA is the professional basketball league with top talent, top dollars, top quality players and games whereas NCAA is the college/university league with less talent, less quality, more one sided games but the degree of unpredictability is much greater and the connection to ones local team much more genuine and substantial.

I like IPL more than PSL as purely a means of entertainment. Batting is phenomenal and the packed stadiums and crowds add a very much needed mood and environment to the game that instantly latches on to the casual watcher.

However, there is no nail biting, no palpitations, no exasperated sighs that goes along with watching something one has an emotional connection to. PSL provides that despite not bedazzling me as much as IPL does.

Both have a reason to exist and have a place in the world of cricket. IPL will probably stay superior in quality just because of the amount of money that is involved but PSL will always stay closer to my heart because of my city and country's connection.

Sensible post and from heart without bias...about IPL and PSL.

Most of the Indian fans want PSL to grow more and help Pak cricket, but IPL bashing threads will make that feeling turn into anti-PSL in my opinion.

Every Action has an Equal an Opposition Reaction! 2

 

[Titan24]

90% of the contemporary world class cricketers play in the IPL, which makes it international standard by default.

Moreover, elite cricketers like Joe Root are desperate to play in the IPL because it will help them improve as T20 cricketers.

I cannot imagine someone like Joe Root holding his hand up and stating that he wants to improve as a T20 cricketer by playing alongside the pensioners and dead cricketers in the empty stadiums of the UAE.

The IPL has reached a stage where it is now more than just the money at stake. Players now look at it as an opportunity to improve as cricketers, and the pressure to perform is quite high.

If the other leagues offer the same money as the IPL and the players can only choose to play in one league only, every single cricketer around the world will opt to play in the IPL, because after ten years of success and glory, there is an added prestige associated with it that is missing in other leagues.

The fact is that even Pakistani players would happily opt for the IPL over the PSL if given the chance, and that is why they have been vocal about their desire to play in the IPL over the last few years.

So no, the IPL is not overrated. It is the best T20 league in the world by miles and is the gold standard. All other leagues are nothing but poor imitations.

Unless the BCCI collapses and goes bankrupt, no other league has any chance of getting anywhere close to the IPL.

This is the truth, the only truth. I am sorry if you wanted to hear something else.

And the savior of IPL is here!!!

Dude where did the OP talked about PSL? Why do you need to compare everything with Pakistan and PSL?

 

[Robert]

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

No clue, never watched it.

 

[IndianFan2018]

Sensible post and from heart without bias...about IPL and PSL.

Most of the Indian fans want PSL to grow more and help Pak cricket, but IPL bashing threads will make that feeling turn into anti-PSL in my opinion.

Every Action has an Equal an Opposition Reaction! 2

Correction Typo there 'and Opposite Reaction!'

 

[kingusama92]

NEW TREND ON PP

1) I Dont Watch IPL, yet i know everything thats happening in it. Some people even know who was 4th highest wicket taker from last season. LOL. IM die hard IPL fan and even I couldnt remember that.

2) IPL bowling quality is pedesterian because Pakistani bowlers are not in it. Starc, Rabada, Bumrah, Cummins, Tahir, Boult, Fizz, BK, Woakes, Ngidi, Rashid, Kuldeep, Chahal, Tye etc are all crappy bowlers and will struggle against Mighty Akmals, Ronchis, and Boparas.

3) Quality of cricket in IPL is far worse than a game involving Associate nations.

4) IPL is far too LONG... Says the people who DONT follow it. I MEAN SERIOUSLY, If you dont follow IPL then how the heck does it makes it too long for you?

5) This one is Gold, “IPL have not produced quality player since XYZ”
Why do even have a Ranji games, might as well dissolve it and expand IPL 7months long

You're right about points 1, 3, and 5.

Let me tackle the other two.

I do follow the IPL (highlights usually) and it's definitely too long. I've had this complaint for a while as that middle phase is incredibly tedious.

Cricinfo even did a poll (in 2015) and it showed 56% believed the season was far too long. This was mostly Indian voters.


While the bowling quality isn't "pedestrian," it could become even better with Pakistan's main talent on hand. Imad, Shadab, Hasan Ali, Amir, and Usman Khan would undoubtedly raise the standards even higher.

 

[Hasan123]

As someone who watches both leagues I can honestly say the IPL is the much better league. Has higher quality players and higher quality domestic players overall.

 

[Mirpur express]

Lost interest after 1st season for obvious reasons ,so can’t really judge the standard but what I read is big stars, FULL HOUSES, loads of money & Bollywood glamour, hard to say this as a baised fan but on paper ipl is in a league of its own & our very own Misbah played a big part in it

 

[HuzaifaE]

I have an issue with franchise cricket in general and don't find any league other than the PSL interesting because I have no vested interest in it, however, objectively speaking, IPL is THE benchmark for franchise T20s in every regard, top to bottom. End of story. How high that benchmark is can be debated, what can't be debated is that no other league is remotely close to that benchmark.

 

[SandyB]

Nidahas trophy final was better than any IPL or PSL final.

IPL and PSL are over rated. Nidahas Rocks!

Making the right points mah mahn !

tri -series are the future of T20. Now that Bangladesh has firmly taken over the title of "most hated asian team" from India ,we'll be seeing some real fire in future match-ups.

 

[IndianFan2018]

Making the right points mah mahn !

tri -series are the future of T20. Now that Bangladesh has firmly taken over the title of "most hated asian team" from India ,we'll be seeing some real fire in future match-ups.

Second that... T20I tri-series will be more meaningful than bilateral series outside WT20 of course

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

It doesn't deserve to be rated at all.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I have an issue with franchise cricket in general and don't find any league other than the PSL interesting because I have no vested interest in it, however, objectively speaking, IPL is THE benchmark for franchise T20s in every regard, top to bottom. End of story. How high that benchmark is can be debated, what can't be debated is that no other league is remotely close to that benchmark.

You are not the only one here. I have seen lots of fans here who were calling IPL Tamasha Cricket but as soon as PSL started their views changed dramatically. Now they think PSL is going to find future superstars for them just like Indian fans thought IPL will do the same for them.

You can't claim to not like Franchise Cricket but enjoy it when its your own league. It's hypocrisy. You either like all of them or hate all of them.

 

[HuzaifaE]

You are not the only one here. I have seen lots of fans here who were calling IPL Tamasha Cricket but as soon as PSL started their views changed dramatically. Now they think PSL is going to find future superstars for them just like Indian fans thought IPL will do the same for them.

You can't claim to not like Franchise Cricket but enjoy it when its your own league. It's hypocrisy. You either like all of them or hate all of them.

That logic is pretty absurd. I don't like franchise cricket because I don't like T20s. I don't like T20s because I think it's a fizzy drink equivalent of cricket with many skills left untested and is the format with the highest fluke probability and lowest skill gap. Tests are about endurance and persistence for 5 days, T20s are about top edges over fine leg for 6. I see the appeal, I see the convenience, but as a traditionalist, I don't find it nearly as enticing as 50 over or test cricket.

I watch and enjoy the PSL because

1) I get to root for a team I actually can associate myself to geographically and otherwise

2) I get the opportunity to see future potential green shirts carving out a career and trying to impress against good sides with varying skills and a few quality international players

Which of the above two does the IPL fulfill for me? You be the judge.

Am I meant to say I enjoy watching Raja Sandeep Sharma bowling offcutters to AB de Villiers as much as a young Shadab Khan introducing himself on the national stage?

I'm consistent with this, I only watched Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash for seeing how Shadab and Yasir cope and adapt on Aussie surfaces.

 

[Ellipsism]

90% of the contemporary world class cricketers play in the IPL, which makes it international standard by default.

Moreover, elite cricketers like Joe Root are desperate to play in the IPL because it will help them improve as T20 cricketers.

I cannot imagine someone like Joe Root holding his hand up and stating that he wants to improve as a T20 cricketer by playing alongside the pensioners and dead cricketers in the empty stadiums of the UAE.

The IPL has reached a stage where it is now more than just the money at stake. Players now look at it as an opportunity to improve as cricketers, and the pressure to perform is quite high.

If the other leagues offer the same money as the IPL and the players can only choose to play in one league only, every single cricketer around the world will opt to play in the IPL, because after ten years of success and glory, there is an added prestige associated with it that is missing in other leagues.

The fact is that even Pakistani players would happily opt for the IPL over the PSL if given the chance, and that is why they have been vocal about their desire to play in the IPL over the last few years.

So no, the IPL is not overrated. It is the best T20 league in the world by miles and is the gold standard. All other leagues are nothing but poor imitations.

Unless the BCCI collapses and goes bankrupt, no other league has any chance of getting anywhere close to the IPL.

This is the truth, the only truth. I am sorry if you wanted to hear something else.

Joe Root wants to improve his T20 so he puts his name down for the IPL, at the same time he conveniently skips a T20 tri series against two quality sides, try again. I’m assuming you’ve assessed each and every cricketer to come to the conclusion that money aside they would still come play the IPL. I beg to differ, there is no prestige in the IPL, if that was the case you wouldn’t get the likes of Unadkat and Andrew Tye fetching millions. If it boiled down to one tournament in a calendar year and money I’d completely out of the picture there’s no doubt in my mind they would opt to play in the BBL.

 

[IndianFan2018]

Joe Root wants to improve his T20 so he puts his name down for the IPL, at the same time he conveniently skips a T20 tri series against two quality sides, try again. I’m assuming you’ve assessed each and every cricketer to come to the conclusion that money aside they would still come play the IPL. I beg to differ, there is no prestige in the IPL, if that was the case you wouldn’t get the likes of Unadkat and Andrew Tye fetching millions. If it boiled down to one tournament in a calendar year and money I’d completely out of the picture there’s no doubt in my mind they would opt to play in the BBL.

Andrew Tye is pretty good T20 bowler, what's the problem if he fetches millions ?

If IPL scouts see the potential and owner pay for such players;

Like in every business, IPL auction too includes Risk of bad Investment (RCB spent 12 CR Rupees to nothing bowler Tymal Mills last season, but no complaints that's part of the deal.. you get some good'n some bad!)... Cheers

 

[in_cutter]

Too many teams, too many matches & far too long.

 

[barah_admi]

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

If we're comparing the IPL to other major tournaments across sports, it is entirely meaningless. The Premier League, Series A, La Liga, NBA, NFL, MLB and a few other leagues are just on a different planet to the IPL.

In the world of cricket, it is the richest domestic tournament but that doesn't mean a huge deal because it isn't enough for the BCCI to have cash to look after its own first class system. So in reality, just how much is it making? And how much of tha tmoney is being reinvented?

 

[Rishta Aunty]

You are not the only one here. I have seen lots of fans here who were calling IPL Tamasha Cricket but as soon as PSL started their views changed dramatically. Now they think PSL is going to find future superstars for them just like Indian fans thought IPL will do the same for them.

You can't claim to not like Franchise Cricket but enjoy it when its your own league. It's hypocrisy. You either like all of them or hate all of them.

Pretty much this. In Franchise cricket, the IPL without doubt is the best. It's preeminence in terms of talent is close to the NBA which says a lot. Some of the units in the IPL in the past had legitimate claims of being the best T20 teams going around and by a huge margin; I remember watching the last two seasons of the now defunct Champions Trophy T20 that was between the top T20 teams world wide. Both seasons had all-IPL finals, and the teams looked a clear cut above the rest.

There's no reason to bring down the IPL to be proud of the PSL. The PSL is my league, where I have an affiliation to the teams and players that goes beyond the superficial. That's an intangible in how you perceive a league; greater attachment usually translates to holding the league in greater personal esteem. And what Pakistan has been able to organize despite incredible hurdles is something I'm proud of. True resilience as a country despite being dead and buried in terms of global support for our cricket.

A true cricket lover can enjoy both, without trying to pull each other down.

 

[Rishta Aunty]

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

Disclaimer: I’m not trying to start a war.

So some people would have me believe that IPL is the best thing since sliced bread. But is it really that good? Is it international standard and is every match a nail biter? When you guys watch IPL, are you overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display?

It's not the best thing since sliced bread.
Every match is not a nail biter.
I'm not overwhelmed by the quality of cricket on display, except at times the out-fielding which is generally top notch.

But,
It is the best quality domestic T20 tournament out there, and close to international standard T20 cricket.

However, all T20 cricket is of generally poorer quality that International Test and ODI cricket. The Skills you need in T20 are different; people laugh at Unadkat and Thakur calling them trundles, but that's the sadly reality of T20 cricket. Trundlers do well and the slow ball is effectively a stock delivery. Same well, technique is a far secondary when it comes to batting. There are some great batsman who do well in all formats, but there are many more hacks in T20 overall, and the IPL in particular too. The PSL is no different in that regard.

 

[IndianFan2018]

If we're comparing the IPL to other major tournaments across sports, it is entirely meaningless. The Premier League, Series A, La Liga, NBA, NFL, MLB and a few other leagues are just on a different planet to the IPL.

In the world of cricket, it is the richest domestic tournament but that doesn't mean a huge deal because it isn't enough for the BCCI to have cash to look after its own first class system. So in reality, just how much is it making? And how much of tha tmoney is being reinvented?

If you follow BCCI and Indian cricket correctly, you woldn't have made that statement brother.

CoA vs BCCI office bearers Ego clash is holding the cash payment to first class players not lack of cash itself

 

[barah_admi]

If you follow BCCI and Indian cricket correctly, you woldn't have made that statement brother.

CoA vs BCCI office bearers Ego clash is holding the cash payment to first class players not lack of cash itself

No, if you followed it, then you would know the BCCI wrote a letter to the ICC, claiming it needed 400+ million dollars over the current financial cycle, one of the reasons it gave was that it needed the funds or it could not fund its first class structure. The PCB, ECB (second highest earner), CA etc have none of those issues. I'm pretty sure I told you all this before.

 

[IndianFan2018]

No, if you followed it, then you would know the BCCI wrote a letter to the ICC, claiming it needed 400+ million dollars over the current financial cycle, one of the reasons it gave was that it needed the funds or it could not fund its first class structure. The PCB, ECB (second highest earner), CA etc have none of those issues. I'm pretty sure I told you all this before.

To get money from ICC, BCCI has to give business justification .. it doesn't mean that BCCI doesn't have enough $$$$ in the bank ! what king of logic bro ?

IPL fully owned by BCCI is more valuable than ICC World Tournaments .. What else you want as proof bro ?

 

[Arham_PakFan]

All biases aside,it is the best cricket league in the world,by a long margin.It has it's issues,but it also has the best players from around the world(except ours),some of the biggest crowds and it's comfortably the richest league in the world.The quality of cricket is generally top class.

 

[the Great Khan]

I watched the first season, then watched some highlights here and there when it was on free to air. Its now on Sky and I cant really watch it. I'm not that attached to it that I'll look for highlights on youtube etc. For me the biggest turn off is the lack of Pakistani players and the length. I used to wath the natwest bash but that also is too long and the quality isnt great at times. For me a T20 tourniy has to be short with a few teams and decent t20 cricket. Overall I get its tamasha but its a pakistani league and emotional attachement is key.

as terms the quality well I would say the PSL isnt that bad. The teams are chock full of internationals, it is short and sharp and there the bowling attacks are pretty good..

The BBL looks a great league as their domestic is strong, the IPL is strong because it attracts the worlds best current players.

Overall the PSL has carved out a nice niche for itself and thats great..
that is until the ICC implements its new T20 structure which will destroy all of the leagues bar the BBL, the english league and the IPL.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

How anybody can watch a 60 match T20 tournament that spans nearly two months is beyond me.

 

[Thomaskutty]

It depends on what you mean by overrated .. IPL has the best players in the world so as a spectacle it is better to watch.Quality is good too.
Ultimately though, money is the advantage that the IPL has and why the best players come. The whole 'improve my white ball game' bit by Root is just a bit of PR. Not falling for that.

 

[Sherlock]

No, it's not.

 

[Mamoon]

Joe Root wants to improve his T20 so he puts his name down for the IPL, at the same time he conveniently skips a T20 tri series against two quality sides, try again. I’m assuming you’ve assessed each and every cricketer to come to the conclusion that money aside they would still come play the IPL. I beg to differ, there is no prestige in the IPL, if that was the case you wouldn’t get the likes of Unadkat and Andrew Tye fetching millions. If it boiled down to one tournament in a calendar year and money I’d completely out of the picture there’s no doubt in my mind they would opt to play in the BBL.

Root obviously skipped the tri-series because he was very confident that he would get picked for the IPL. If you look at it from his perspective (with the assumption that he was going to get an IPL contract), there was no point of playing in a week long series, when he was going to play in a two month long tournament of high quality T20 cricket with a lot of money on the table.

Playing 2-3 matches over a week is not going to improve the T20 skills of a player. However, if you want to really improve your T20 skills, the IPL is the place to be. A two month long tournament with a gruelling schedule against a variety of quality sides. It really does not get better than that. In hindsight, it was a poor decision by Root, as he overestimated his value to the IPL franchises.

Secondly, the amount of money Unadkat and Tye fetch has nothing to do with the prestige of the league. The IPL is the gold standard in franchise T20 cricket because it has lead the way for other leagues who are nothing but poor imitations, and it has been around longer than the other leagues. It has the largest fan base and is at a different level in terms of popularity.

That is what makes the IPL more prestigious than the other tournaments, not how many millions player X and player Y get.

I do not agree that if all leagues achieve parity in terms of the financial incentives that they provide, players would choose the BBL. The BBL is better than the PSL, CPL and BBL, but it is insignificant compared to the IPL, a league that has developed its own history now, and winning it actually means something. It is the only league where there is genuine pressure on the players to perform. It is not a paid holiday for pensioners and other dead cricketers.

 

[Slog]

Pakistani fans are jealous of IPL because it is the gold standard for t20 leagues. I know it despite not watching it beyond a few overs here and there every season And everyone else knows it in their hearts as well. Don't see why people have to write long essays to get that point across

As to whether it is overrated? I believe it is but that's a personal opinion. I believe franchise cricket in general is overrated. However that still doesn't change the fact and neither will I deny that it is the gold standard of t20 leagues and one which every cricketer barring a few would like to feature in.

 

[IndianFan2018]

How anybody can watch a 60 match T20 tournament that spans nearly two months is beyond me.

Like we Indian fans are watching from last 10 years...

Indian fans are waiting for IPL 2018 to start ... Summer is Coming ....IPL is coming #RCB #PlayBold #ESCN

 

[jagatk]

Like we Indian fans are watching from last 10 years...

Indian fans are waiting for IPL 2018 to start ... Summer is Coming ....IPL is coming #RCB #PlayBold #ESCN

It's genuinely sad what hate of something does to people. How exactly are people who self proclaim that they don't watch ipl know whether ipl is overrated or not? This is like reviewing a movie or a TV show without watching it.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

It's genuinely sad what hate of something does to people. How exactly are people who self proclaim that they don't watch ipl know whether ipl is overrated or not? This is like reviewing a movie or a TV show without watching it.

Lmao so I would have to sit and watch a tournament for two months to say it's too long?

 

[WengerOut]

Lmao so I would have to sit and watch a tournament for two months to say it's too long?

It is like when you sit idly for 2 days , it is long. When you spend that for something entertaining , it ia short. So yeah , you have to watch a tournament to judge whether it is boring unless you are a blind hater. I believe you're the latter

 

[Gotham Cronie]

It is like when you sit idly for 2 days , it is long. When you spend that for something entertaining , it ia short. So yeah , you have to watch a tournament to judge whether it is boring unless you are a blind hater. I believe you're the latter

Lol perhaps do some research then. I even wrote an article for PakPassion on the exact topic years before the IPL reached how long it is now.

I'm sure the quality of cricket in the IPL is good. I enjoyed watching the matches with the Pakistani cricketers in Season 1.

There is a such thing as oversaturation, however. To each his own.

 

[WengerOut]

Lol perhaps do some research then. I even wrote an article for PakPassion on the exact topic years before the IPL reached how long it is now.

I'm sure the quality of cricket in the IPL is good. I enjoyed watching the matches with the Pakistani cricketers in Season 1.

There is a such thing as oversaturation, however. To each his own.

I can see the same enthusiasm in IPL fans for all season. The night matches have become a routine thing for families. If someone else find it boring and pass it of as a fact , then there is a problem.

 

[CanadianG00se]

Lmao so I would have to sit and watch a tournament for two months to say it's too long?

Dude if you dont follow something then it shouldnt bother you with its longevity. I mean how hard is it to switch channels?

 

[CanadianG00se]

Like we Indian fans are watching from last 10 years...

Indian fans are waiting for IPL 2018 to start ... Summer is Coming ....IPL is coming #RCB #PlayBold #ESCN

Agree with you except the last bit

GO MUMBAI INDIANS

 

[rhony]

26th ranked league in the world in revenue. Will surpass quite a few above it as the Indian middle class gets stronger. In no way is it overrated. There is just enough publicity and the growth in revenue is phenomenal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_professional_sports_leagues_by_revenue

 

[Gotham Cronie]

Dude if you dont follow something then it shouldnt bother you with its longevity. I mean how hard is it to switch channels?

Lol IPL fans get so trigged with a simple opinion on a tournament's format.

 

[rhony]

Lmao so I would have to sit and watch a tournament for two months to say it's too long?

When you have time, google NFL, MLB NBA, EPL etc. Look how long the duration of those is. Then look at the revenues. You will have your answer

 

[WengerOut]

Lol IPL fans get so trigged with a simple opinion on a tournament's format.

Classic response from an IPL hater when he has nowhere to go

 

[WengerOut]

26th ranked league in the world in revenue. Will surpass quite a few above it as the Indian middle class gets stronger. In no way is it overrated. There is just enough publicity and the growth in revenue is phenomenal.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_professional_sports_leagues_by_revenue

Man .. Did i see PSL below Kabaddi league of India?

 

[rhony]

Let's put it this way- IPL generates more revenue than any league in China- be it soccer or basketball

 

[Gotham Cronie]

When you have time, google NFL, MLB NBA, EPL etc. Look how long the duration of those is. Then look at the revenues. You will have your answer

NFL is a horrible comparison. The majority of the games are on Sundays with one on Monday. In fact, there's been massive pushback to them adding even just one game to a Thursday night because of people complaining that it's becoming over-saturated.

MLB as been losing ratings. NBA ratings during the season are low as well for the daily games and the majority of viewers simply watch the high profile games and then the playoffs.

In fact, last season of the NBA was the lowest rated season ever.

 

[R3verse Swing]

I do not watch any franchise cricket, including PSL, but the notion that IPL improves T20 skills is just a falsehood.

Half the bowlers are domestic players, bowling leg side pies for the sake of entertainment, plus it's not like India have won the World T20 since 2007.

Case in point, look at Joe Root's T20 stats.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

There's over 1.3 billion people in India. They can watch the IPL 365 days a year if they wish and still make money.

Not sure why they would expect fans of other countries to sit and watch their domestic tournament for 2 months of their time.

 

[Nil Dhumrojal]

All the XPLs aree overrated but IPL though it becomes monotonous.

 

[WengerOut]

There's over 1.3 billion people in India. They can watch the IPL 365 days a year if they wish and still make money.

Not sure why they would expect fans of other countries to sit and watch their domestic tournament for 2 months of their time.

You expressed generally that it is boring to watch a tournament for 2 months. You dint bring Indian or non Indian angle to that question. So i commented about Indian attitude. Out of the blue , why are you simply shooting in the air asking why Indians expect others to watch. That was never an issue. It has been a hugely successful tournament . I don't think it wants approval or audience from other countries to sustain the success.

 

[rhony]

NFL is a horrible comparison. The majority of the games are on Sundays with one on Monday. In fact, there's been massive pushback to them adding even just one game to a Thursday night because of people complaining that it's becoming over-saturated.

MLB as been losing ratings. NBA ratings during the season are low as well for the daily games and the majority of viewers simply watch the high profile games and then the playoffs.

In fact, last season of the NBA was the lowest rated season ever.

They made billions of dollars in revenue. That too after multiple sports competing for eyeballs in US. In India there is no competetion for cricket. 2 months is nothing compared to 6 months as other leagues. The games are in the evening after everybody gets out of work. Also, unlike the leagues u mentioned, IPL is on an upswing. I know most posters hate bollywood drama in IPL but that's a master stroke considering the game is now attracting women. One look at the ads and u now see cosmetics, baby products along with the traditional automobile ads.

 

[BlackShadow]

Man .. Did i see PSL below Kabaddi league of India?

PSL is way below our soccer league too. I really don't see the point of such threads here. Pakistanis should be concerned about making PSL bigger and better. Looking down upon other leagues serves them no purpose.

 

[rhony]

You expressed generally that it is boring to watch a tournament for 2 months. You dint bring Indian or non Indian angle to that question. So i commented about Indian attitude. Out of the blue , why are you simply shooting in the air asking why Indians expect others to watch. That was never an issue. It has been a hugely successful tournament . I don't think it wants approval or audience from other countries to sustain the success.

IPL viewership increased 22 percent in 2017. 400 million people watched it last year. As long as they tap Indian domestic and overseas population, they don't need others

 

[R3verse Swing]

People confusing quality over quantity.

 

[rhony]

People confusing quality over quantity.

Advertisers and spectators are not duds. They will switch the channel in a instant if a product doesn't entertain them. Quality of players and games is paramount to keep the attention. To keep it for 60 days is even more difficult. Don't underestimate the intelligence of a consumer.

 

[WengerOut]

People confusing quality over quantity.

400 million people are confused.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

You expressed generally that it is boring to watch a tournament for 2 months. You dint bring Indian or non Indian angle to that question. So i commented about Indian attitude. Out of the blue , why are you simply shooting in the air asking why Indians expect others to watch. That was never an issue. It has been a hugely successful tournament . I don't think it wants approval or audience from other countries to sustain the success.

Oh bhai, it's an opinion. I'm on the record in the past (again, read my posts or the articles that I wrote for PakPassion) that any tournament that drags on for close to two months is too long in my opinion. I had wrote that even regarding Pakistani tournaments at that time.

For a tournament that doesn't want approval of other fans, some of you seem really triggered and upset by a simple opinion on the duration LOL.

 

[Gotham Cronie]

They made billions of dollars in revenue. That too after multiple sports competing for eyeballs in US. In India there is no competetion for cricket. 2 months is nothing compared to 6 months as other leagues. The games are in the evening after everybody gets out of work. Also, unlike the leagues u mentioned, IPL is on an upswing. I know most posters hate bollywood drama in IPL but that's a master stroke considering the game is now attracting women. One look at the ads and u now see cosmetics, baby products along with the traditional automobile ads.

It works for them so good for them. Bread and Circuses in full flow.

 

[WengerOut]

Oh bhai, it's an opinion. I'm on the record in the past (again, read my posts or the articles that I wrote for PakPassion) that any tournament that drags on for close to two months is too long in my opinion. I had wrote that even regarding Pakistani tournaments at that time.

For a tournament that doesn't want approval of other fans, some of you seem really triggered and upset by a simple opinion on the duration LOL.

Bro . It is not IPL centric my posts. I just get irritated by posts in which subjective opinions are passed off as facts. Whether it is IPL, PSL etc.

PS: I usually watch Max 10 matches through out an IPL season . Not a fan of T20s generally. I just watch any exciting newbies.