Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has praised the remarkable rise of the Indian Premier League (IPL), stating that the tournament now rivals some of the biggest sporting leagues in the world, including the English Premier League and the National Basketball Association.
His comments come at a time when IPL franchise valuations have surged to unprecedented levels. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru was reportedly sold for around USD 1.78 billion (approximately INR 16,660 crore), making it one of the most expensive franchises in global sports. Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals also saw a massive deal, valued at nearly USD 1.63 billion (around INR 16,290 crore). These figures highlight the rapid growth of the league since its last expansion in 2021.
Ganguly, who has been associated with the IPL since its inception, reflected on the league’s incredible journey. He recalled facing the first ball of the inaugural IPL match in 2008 between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, marking the beginning of what would become a global cricketing powerhouse.
“It’s great news for the IPL,” Ganguly said. “To see where it has reached today is phenomenal. From its early days to now, the growth has been extraordinary.”
The involvement of major corporate groups and international investors in recent franchise deals further underlines the IPL’s global appeal. The entry of investors from markets like the United States indicates the expanding reach of cricket, particularly driven by the popularity of the IPL.
Ganguly emphasized that the league’s success goes beyond just financial growth. According to him, the IPL has transformed the perception of cricket as a business and entertainment product, making it comparable with the world’s most established leagues.
“For a tournament that runs just three months a year, these are mind-boggling numbers,” he said. “It’s fantastic for Indian cricket and shows the direction the sport is heading.”
He further added that the IPL’s broadcast value and commercial strength now place it among the top sporting leagues globally. “I believe it’s already as big as the NBA. In terms of broadcast rights and overall value, it stands strong even when compared with football leagues,” he noted.
Over the years, the IPL has not only revolutionized T20 cricket but also created a global platform for players, sponsors, and investors. Its blend of sport and entertainment continues to attract massive audiences worldwide, making it one of the most influential leagues in modern sports.
With franchise valuations soaring and international interest growing steadily, the IPL’s future looks brighter than ever. As Ganguly pointed out, the league’s journey from its inception to becoming a global sporting giant is a testament to its vision, execution, and the immense popularity of cricket.