As many as 47,000 spectators were there to watch the legends of the game like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara battle it out in the final. It was a near full house when the women of Mumbai Indians took on their Delhi Capitals counterparts in the WPL.
Cricket sells, especially the glamour variety under lights.
Just look at the number of women and children who turn up for the IPL matches and you know how the game of cricket – somewhat unglamorous in the days of the flannels and a repetitive Test match format – has changed with the arrival of night cricket in its shortest form of T20 that takes only a few hours.
The IPL – its brevity, its glamour, its aggression, promise of a result in just a few hours and in under 40 overs – has also revolutionised who watches the game. As a spectator sport, it is no longer male-dominated. The women take equal pleasure in watching live cricket and comment on it, much like the men, but perhaps without the beer and endless arguments.
T20 is what has brought the household flocking to the grounds to fill games in the IPL and various other leagues around the world, besides the Hundred competition in England. It is a family affair now with the Mrs and the kids for company as the “We want Sixer” chant rings around the grounds during the game even as loud music fills the night between overs.
What better way to enjoy an evening out than an IPL game at the nearest stadium – lights on, cameras whirring and action aplenty – with the kids running around in the green parts of the popular stands and the women busy analysing the game and bringing a distinct feminine angle to the stars in the arena.
Innovations like giant screens at grounds bringing instant replays have probably converted several women into experts too. Anyway, Team India with millions of fans who also make up a critics’ club with membership of a billion may not mind a few more. How much close-up views of the game in today’s camerawork have helped convert fans into experts is a wonder by itself.
Mr. C.D. Gopinath, at 95 the oldest surviving Test cricketer today, also marvelled at how the T20 game has brought women and children into the game. Speaking as a guest at a book release of Bharat Raman, lawyer, cricket administrator and CSK follower, Mr Gopinath said he loves Test cricket but still is fascinated at how universal the game’s following has become after the advent of the T20 format.
Just think where cricket has gone since the arrival of the T20 format. As many as 10 IPL teams have money to splash and they are doing it in a way that it does not benefit the players alone though they get the lion’s share. The gig economy has already got a big boost with the 2-month IPL season, what with the catering, the crowd control, the entertainment, etc. And teams also employ a busload of support staff to back up their teams.
A ballpark figure would be that at least 1,000 high-paying jobs are created by the IPL each season besides the gig jobs, besides the data crunchers who work the gigs too. This is a win-win for cricket, cricketers and the cricket ecosystem.
R. Mohan Editor, Deccan Chronicle, Chennai
Nicely worded on IPL
How true. What a transformation from the good old days. Mohan has captured it to the point.
Yes, as always..
IPL has done yeomen service to rural cricket as well. Brought the tier 2 and 3 town talents to limelight. Hotel and hospitality industries have gained a lot while the cinema industry has taken a hit.
You make valid observations..
With so much of attention and popularity of the 20/20 format and the 100 ball matches, days are not far off when coloured clothing and white ball cricket will come to stay as the only form of the game. Red ball cricket and cricketers playing in whites will be history.