(Image Source: ANI)
[Saba Sports News] The IPL 2024 auction recently concluded, with 72 players joining 10 teams for the tournament’s 17th edition. Mitchell Starc made history as the highest-ever purchased player in IPL, with Kolkata Knight Riders acquiring him for a staggering INR 24.75 Crore. This surpassed the previous record held by his Australian teammate Pat Cummins, who was bought for INR 20.50 Crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The IPL has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception in 2008, now ranking as the world’s second most valuable sports league in media rights, just behind the NFL. This exponential growth is attributed to substantial sponsor investments and high per-match media rights value, which recently reached INR 48,390 crore.
Former Indian cricketer and two-time IPL champion Gautam Gambhir emphasized the league’s significance, stating to Sportskeeda that not starting the IPL would have been the BCCI’s biggest mistake, as it’s the most beneficial development for Indian cricket.
The IPL is not only financially lucrative but also plays a vital role in nurturing young Indian talent. It offers them the opportunity to interact with top international players and face high-pressure situations in front of large crowds, preparing them for the international stage.
This exposure has resulted in a pipeline of young players ready to excel in international cricket.
Despite these advantages and the league’s success, India has yet to win a T20 World Cup since the IPL’s launch. The team is keen to change this in the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup, set to be held in the USA and the West Indies.