IPL: Beyond the 22 yards

Lights, Camera, Action!

Except this time, it isn't actors performing. IPL is about to start and cricketers from across the globe will take the center stage of the discourse in India. The who's who among cricket giants will hit boundaries, and take wickets as cities fight it out for the glory. IPL has all components required to be a hit reality show - which some would say it is. But is it more than that?

I wouldn't get into the cricketing part. That has been discussed and debated much. The Puritans hate the hybrid that is IPL, and the supporters have the list of all cricketers who rose to prominence through IPL ready.

What I have in mind is all the other impact IPL has.

The first three matches of the previous edition of IPL reached a staggering 185.7 million viewers! [1] In 2012, when Kolkata won IPL, they were given a rousing welcome by the crowd. The euphoria in West Bengal can be gauged from the fact that even the CM couldn't afford to skip the celebratory event. [2] This year, as Chennai marks return to the tournament, around 10,000 odd people came to see the practice match of Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk alone. [3] Such is the reach of IPL and it is in this context that one needs to see what IPL has to offer to India, other than the obvious financial benefits.

Representation of Regional Identities

Given the historical baggage of fragmentation that India carries, there aren't many avenues for an Indian to express and celebrate her regional identity. IPL provides the perfect platform - letting it out in sports! While there may be differing opinions on the state flag, a #WhistlePodu from Chennai fans isn't something which hurts the national identity, all the while allowing a Chennaite celebrate the Tamil in her.

The Unifying Force

Manzoor Dar, better known as Pandav for his hard-hitting in the beleaguered Kashmir valley, will be seen in Punjab's jersey this year.

A Bihari is a typical North Indian stereotype for the South Indian and a dosa eating guy does the same job for Northerners trying to understand Southerners. However, this goes for a toss when a certain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is revered as Thala by Chennai and a Ravichandran Ashwin is ready to captain the team Punjab.

The terms of reference of 15th Finance Commission and the consequent uproar would have IPL to thank for if it loses the momentum in these 50 days before actually picking it. Afterall, the calls for Dravidanadu aren't as strong as Chennai-Mumbai rivalry yet.

Soft Power and Outreach to Neighbours

British left us with the legacy of cricket. Fortunately, we aren't alone. Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka share the same love for the sport if not more. As Rashid Khan dons Hyderabad's jersey and young Sandeep Lamichhane becomes the first player from Nepal to become a part of the congregation, India gets few positive eye rolls from the neighboring nations. Its further extension is seen when one realizes the Home ground for Afghanistan cricket team is Greater Noida!



Clearly, there is more to IPL than meets the eye. As India prepares to take off, a homegrown brand worth USD 5.3 billion [4] with positive spillover effects is easily something less to worry about. 

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