The IPL debate – Introduction

This House believes that the Indian Premier League is just not cricket!

After three debates on politics, it is time to take up the other Great Indian Passion: cricket.

Since last year, cricket in summer has meant the Indian Premier League. Launched amid incredible hype, with astronomical sums involved, a galaxy of local and foreign talent has played each other in franchises owned by business houses and Bollywood stars. The combination of cricket and celebrity has been irresistible to television viewers and advertisers as TRP ratings shot through the roof last year. Brendon McCullum’s batting blitzkrieg in Bengaluru kicked off what was widely agreed to be a successful tournament that captured viewers’ attention and held it all the way to a thrilling final in Mumbai six weeks later. This year has seen a somewhat quieter, but no less competitive IPL, thanks, in part, to the decision to shift the games from India to South Africa. It remains to be seen how it will be received upon its return to Indian shores next year.