When 10-20 over cricket is a gold mine – fast scoring and excitement

Once upon a time, there was only Test cricket. Then came ODIs. Then T20s.
Cricket is played in many other ways. However, these are the three recognized versions in international cricket for now. This time, international recognition of T10 cricket is being sought. The BBC reported that at least two full member countries of the organization have asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) for international recognition of T10. This issue was discussed at the latest ICC board meeting held in Harare, Zimbabwe from April 10 to 13.

Although the issue was not included in the formal agenda of this meeting, which was chaired by ICC Chairman Jay Shah, it was raised informally. It is said that there was not much support from most of the members present at the meeting. However, if more support is received on this issue in the future, then the issue may be considered again. In that case, perhaps one day the international versions of cricket will increase from three to four, and T10 statistics will also be added to the international profiles of cricketers.

It is not difficult to understand why efforts are being made to achieve international recognition of T10 despite having three versions. In fact, now T-10 leagues are held in several countries of the world. Cricketers from different countries also play there. However, since it is not an international version, its popularity has not been created yet. When that popularity is created, its expansion will naturally increase. And if the expansion increases, then another new horizon of cricket business will open up. The business that is now almost completely occupied by T-20 cricket . Along with this, if T-10 also emerges, then these two versions of 10 and 20 overs will become a gold mine in the cricket empire.

The IPL was the first to show that 20 overs cricket can be a huge gold mine in cricket business. This Indian franchise T-20 league, which started in 2008, completely changed the cricket business. Gleaming stadiums, auctions, big sponsoring companies, the presence of movie stars, foreign cricketers - all together form a great package. The audience is captivated by that package. The game worth crores of rupees begins.

According to a study by Houlihan Loki, a US multinational independent investment bank and financial services firm, the total value of the IPL is $16.4 billion by 2024. Its latest advertising rights were sold for $6.02 billion. The average revenue per match of the IPL is now about $17 million, which is the second highest in the world (topped by the American NFL). Tata Group is the title sponsor of the IPL from 2024 to 2028, contributing $58 million annually.

Seeing the success of the IPL, franchise T20 leagues have started in various countries. Investors are also showing considerable interest in pouring money into those franchises. The owners of established IPL franchises are leading this campaign. Many new investors, including tech billionaires and Bollywood stars, have also joined in.

Beyond India, around the world

The owners of IPL teams are now not limiting their business to India alone. Many of them have bought teams in cricket leagues in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, England and the United States. The Ambani family's Reliance Group, which owns Mumbai Indians, recently bought a 49 percent stake in the Oval Invincibles in England's T10 League for $74 million. The group also owns teams in South Africa's SA T20 (MI Cape Town), the United Arab Emirates' IL T20 (MI Emirates) and the United States' Major League Cricket (MI New York).

Kolkata Knight Riders own teams in the Caribbean Super League (Trinbago Knight Riders), the IL T20 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders) and the Major League Cricket (Los Angeles Knight Riders). RPSG, the owner of Lucknow Supergiants, has bought 70% of Manchester Originals in England's Hundred League, as well as the Durban Supergiants franchise of SA T20. Sunrisers Hyderabad's owner Sun Group has bought Hundred's Northern Superchargers for $125 million. They also have a team in South Africa called Sunrisers Eastern Caps. GMR Group, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals, has invested $149 million in Hampshire. They own Dubai Capitals in the United Arab Emirates.

New investors are also coming

The world's biggest billionaires are also attracted by the commercial potential of 10-over, 20-over and 100-ball cricket. A billionaire technology consortium led by Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has bought a 49 percent stake in London Spirit, a team from Hundred, for $180 million.

In the meantime, about $850 million is being invested in the United States to establish a professional cricket league. The Major League has already received $120 million in funding from investors such as Satya Nadella and Ross Perot Jr. to develop stadiums and training facilities. The return of cricket to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 after 128 years is expected to accelerate this global expansion.
Cricket in Europe: New prospects

In the meantime, Europe is preparing to enter its own T20 era. The inaugural edition of the European T20 Premier League, consisting of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands, will be held in July this year. Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan has bought a franchise in this league. If this tournament is successful, new doors for cricket-business could open in Europe.

Saudi Arabia: The next destination for cricket

Saudi Arabia is also now at the center of discussion as a new market. The IPL auction was held there in November last year. Saudi Arabia is moving forward with its strategy of becoming a global sports hub with massive investments, a petro-dollar economy and a plan to host its own T20 league. If Saudi Arabia succeeds in this, the Middle Eastern country could become the new commercial empire of cricket.