‘Cricket has become a business’ – Shahid Afridi. “The IPL open the eyes of all leagues to how money is involve in white-ball cricket. ” Afridi said.
The coveted Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen an increase in the number of cricketers going to India over the summer months to compete in what is probably the world’s greatest league. The larger platform brings more money, which keeps overseas cricketers interested. Many other leagues sprung up throughout the world, inspired by the IPL. Keeping this tendency in mind, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has stated that cricket has become a business.
Cricket’s ever-increasing fan base has resulted in enormous financial benefits for the businesses involved. Advertisements and sponsorships have increase, and even uncap players are keeping professional cricket alive. Though it is most common in white ball cricket, Afridi state that even County cricket use to spend money on an arduous six-month grind.
“Look, money has arrived; things have changed. Cricket is now a business, when it was formerly a sport. There is a lot of commercialization, and leagues are happening all around the world. “Honestly, the IPL has opened the eyes of all leagues to the way money is involved in white-ball cricket,” Afridi said on the 180 Not Out podcast.
“Previously, theres money in county cricket, but it was for a six-month season and include the red ball. I believe money is present in every league now because it has become commercialized. Money is coming in and being distributed to players. As a result, players are interested even if they are not playing for their country, and they are given opportunities in various leagues, which is beneficial. ” He added.
Also Visit: Why can’t they hit Bumrah’s full tosses? It’s because of the fear of his name: Waqar Younis
IPL sets the amenities standard for players
In terms of monetary benefits for cricketers, Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins were bought by their respective IPL teams for a record fee ahead of the IPL 2024.
While Starc was hired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for 24.75 crore. Cummins took over as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain for 20.5 crore. Furthermore, Hardik Pandya traded from the Gujarat Titans to the Mumbai Indians for a record fee of 15 crore.
Also Read: Arshdeep Singh becomes first Indian bowler to pick wicket on first ball in T20 World Cups