Sourav Ganguly Praises IPL's Growth, Compares It to NBA and Premier League
Ganguly's Take on IPL's Expansion
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly expressed his admiration for the remarkable growth of the Indian Premier League (IPL), likening its stature to that of the NBA and the Premier League. His comments followed the record sale of the Rajasthan Royals (RR) for an astounding USD 1.63 billion to a consortium led by Kal Somani, a US entrepreneur. This transaction marked the largest sale in IPL history, although it was soon eclipsed by the acquisition of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for $1.78 billion by a consortium that includes the Aditya Birla Group and Blackstone.
"This is fantastic news for the IPL. When it launched in 2007, I was there to witness the first match in 2008 between RCB and KKR. The evolution of the IPL is truly phenomenal," Ganguly remarked in an interview. He noted the increasing interest in Indian cricket from international buyers, particularly from the United States, highlighting the game's expanding global appeal.
Despite the IPL's impressive growth, Ganguly acknowledged that it still has a way to go before it can match the valuations of NBA franchises. He stated, "The broadcast rights are comparable to the best in the world, and in some cases, they surpass those of EPL matches. The financial figures involved are astonishing for a league that operates for only a few months each year."
Concerns Over Player Availability
Ganguly Upset Over Uncertainty Over Mitchell Starc's Availability
In his role as Director of Cricket for the Delhi Capitals, Ganguly also addressed concerns regarding Mitchell Starc's uncertain participation at the start of IPL 2026. He expressed that the last-minute absence of key players can significantly disrupt team dynamics. "It’s disappointing when top players are unavailable at the last moment, as it affects the team's balance," he stated during a promotional event.
Ganguly emphasized that assembling a successful IPL team is often more challenging than forming the national squad, given the distribution of players across ten franchises. He remarked, "Creating an Indian team is easier because the best players are consistently available. In the IPL, when a star player like Starc or Pathirana is missing, it creates a substantial gap that is difficult to fill, posing a significant challenge for the teams."