The Indian Premier League (IPL) has revolutionized cricket, transforming it from a sport into a lucrative business venture. Former Pakistani all-rounder Shahid Afridi highlights the profound impact of the IPL on the evolution of cricket, particularly in white-ball cricket.
The IPL has paved the way for numerous other leagues worldwide, signifying the immense financial potential associated with shorter formats. "Money has come in, things have changed. Cricket has become a business; it used to be a sport," Afridi said. "There's a lot of commercialization, leagues are happening everywhere in the world. Honestly, the IPL has opened the eyes of all leagues with the way money is involved in white-ball cricket."
The influx of money has attracted players and opened doors for those previously overlooked. "Previously, there was money in county cricket as well, but it was for a long season of 6 months, and the red ball was involved. I think money is present in every league now because it has become commercialized," Afridi added.
While playing for one's national team remains the ultimate achievement, the emergence of these leagues has provided alternative avenues for cricketers who may not have had the opportunity to represent their countries. "However, playing for the country is a significant achievement. It has its own unique satisfaction. Cricketers who don't get a chance to play for their national teams find opportunities in different leagues, which also brings financial benefits and support for their families," Afridi concluded.
The IPL's commercialization has demonstrated the potential for substantial financial gains in white-ball cricket, leading to the proliferation of leagues across various countries. This has not only attracted players but has also opened doors for those who were previously overlooked, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and earn a living through cricket.
Tags: #IPL, #Cricket, #ShahidAfridi, #WhiteBallCricket, #Commercialization
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