Why does the BCCI not host IPL Finals in non-IPL playing cities?
Here's the venue-wise split of all the 13 IPL Finals conducted in India (out of 16 seasons):
- Mumbai = 3
- Chennai = 2
- Bangalore = 2
- Hyderabad = 2
- Kolkata = 2
- Ahmedabad = 2
Issues?
- Matured Economic Growth: These Tier-1 cities already attract significant investments and business opportunities. The economic marginal utility of hosting a big-ticket game in these cities is minimal at best.
- Event Saturation: Tier-1 cities frequently host numerous events, conferences, and cultural activities throughout the year. Hosting yet another big-ticket game in such cities may result in oversaturation and reduced novelty.
- Sustained Global Exposure: By hosting a minimum of 7 games per season, these cities are already exposed to huge amounts of media coverage and tourism. Again, it's about diminishing marginal utility.
Alternate Venues:
- Ranchi (Jharkhand)
- Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
- Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu)
- Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
- Cuttack (Odisha)
Key Benefits:
- Economic Development: Hosting major events in tier-2 cities can stimulate the local economy by attracting visitors and boosting business activity. The influx of participants, spectators, and media personnel can lead to increased spending on accommodations, transportation, dining, shopping, and other services.
- Sports Infrastructure Development: BCCI's Annual revenues are to the tune of $230 million (INR 1900 Crores). The abundance of such capital can be utilized towards developing a superior stadium infrastructure and sporting facilities.
- Tourism: The media coverage and international attention generated by the IPL Finals can help showcase the city's unique features, cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and potential as a destination, thereby, promoting local tourism.
- Community Engagement: Cricket is a ubiquitous sport in India. Hosting big-ticket games in such venues can foster community engagement and provide an opportunity for the locals to participate, volunteer, and showcase their city's hospitality and culture. (e.g.: IPL Fan Parks)
Mind you, the alternative venues mentioned above are ALL Ranji Trophy venues.
Meaning they already have the base infrastructure set in place to host an event as big as the IPL Finals.
"There is no lack of ability. There is only a lack of opportunity."
Should the BCCI seriously consider this? Let me know below!
#iplfinals #ipl2023 #bcci #india
Associate Partner (Projects: Regulatory, Policy and Dispute Resolution) at DSK Legal
1moUpward and onwards, always, Sonam Taneja ! 😀