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[Saba Sports News] The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a surge of cricketers flocking to India during the summers to compete in what is arguably the world’s biggest league. With the grand stage comes substantial financial rewards, attracting even foreign cricketers. Inspired by the IPL, similar leagues have sprung up globally. Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi remarked that cricket has evolved into a business due to this trend.
Thanks to the growing popularity of cricket, business entities involved have reaped significant monetary benefits. Advertisements and sponsorships have multiplied, allowing even uncapped players to sustain their professional careers. While this is mostly seen in white-ball cricket, Afridi noted that even County cricket used to involve significant money for a six-month grind. “Money has come in, and things have changed. Cricket has become a business; it used to be a sport.
There’s a lot of commercialization, and leagues are happening everywhere. The IPL has opened the eyes of all leagues with the way money is involved in white-ball cricket,” Afridi told the 180
Not Out podcast.
“Previously, there was money in county cricket as well, but it was for a long six-month season with the red ball. Now, money is present in every league because of commercialization. Players are interested even if they are not playing for their country because they get opportunities in different leagues, which is good,” he added.
Australian pacers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins exemplify the financial gains for cricketers.
Ahead of IPL 2024, Starc was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for 24.75 crore, and Cummins assumed Sunrisers Hyderabad’s leadership for 20.5 crore. Additionally, Hardik Pandya was traded from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians in a record deal of 15 crore.