IPL - Investors Picked Lottery or Loss ?

Some love it and some dislike it too. But there is no denying that T20 (Twenty20), a short, colourful and entertaining form of a cricket match, is here to stay. Cashing-in on its enthusiastic & popular mass appeal (and to counter the ICL ?) BCCI rushed to launch its IPL (Indian Premier League) - an ambitious, bold and the most expensive cricket venture ever.

With $2 billion invested in IPL by various corporates, broadcasters, sponsors etc, the game is poised for a substantial shake-up in the future. Whopping $700+ million was paid to buy its eight teams and millions of moolah was 'bid' in the auctioning of top national and international players to take part in the tournament. Around $1 billion has been committed for the tv broadcasting rights over the next 10 years.

As a business, IPL has proved to be Terrific20 for cricket boards, players, stadiums, merchandising vendors and a host of business beneficiaries. But the big Q remains unclear - will it be profitable for the investors who have put staggering amounts in this new and untested cricketing model ? Some feel it makes a sound investment, while others differ and feel the extravagant sums will make it hard for investors to recoup or reap rewards soon.
In anycase, Cricket has come a long way and grown big in India. In all liklihood, India is heading towards becoming the epicentre of T20 version -- and this will be a bonanza for its fans. Isnt it ?