Cricket is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with billions of people tuning in to watch major tournaments and matches each year.
This game involves two teams who compete to score runs by batting and bowling in a circular arena. What makes it so popular is its unique blend of skill, strategy and fast-paced action which makes it a highly entertaining spectator sport. This trend is no different in India where there are many cricket competitions such as the Indian Premier League (IPL). With this in mind, let’s explore the future of Indian franchises to see where they will invest in next.
IPL’s Global Expansion
Cricket’s global popularity has not only captivated millions of fans but also inspired creative ventures like themed slot games that celebrate the sport’s excitement and culture. Cricket’s journey in India dates back to the colonial era when British soldiers introduced the sport to the subcontinent. Cricket’s deep roots in India laid the foundation for the sport’s massive growth and passion across the country, including major competitions. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional cricket league in India. Launched in 2008, it has transformed into one of the most popular cricket tournaments on a global scale. This league is overseen by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Before profiling the future outlook of Indian cricket franchises, it’s important to explain how franchises work in this context. Teams within the IPL are called franchises and each franchise represents a city in India. These franchises are owned by companies or high profile individuals who pay money to run the team. The owners buy the rights to run a team from the IPL organisers, and every year, teams choose their players in an auction, where they bid money to get the players they want. This usually takes place before the season starts, setting the stage for a competitive and exciting tournament. Because owners invest heavily in players and team management each year, IPL franchises also look for new ways to grow their business beyond cricket to stay competitive and profitable.
The Future of IPL Franchise Investments
Cricket in India is now a global brand. The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, has been the driving force behind this transformation, generating record-breaking revenues and inspiring the creation of T20 leagues across the world. IPL team owners have already bought teams in other countries like South Africa, the UAE, the Caribbean and the USA. This helps them grow their fan base, make more money and spread the IPL name around the world. Owning teams in other T20 leagues helps IPL franchises to stay active all year. This means more matches, more players and more chances to earn from ticket sales, sponsorships and broadcasting rights. It also helps the teams find and train new talent in different countries, building stronger squads for future IPL seasons, as well as boosting visibility globally.
Recently, moves have been made to suggest that IPL franchises may look to invest in The Hundred or even explore the possibility of a new franchise-based league in Europe. Currently, global T20 franchise investments are evolving, with more discussions on how Indian investors are shaping leagues outside India. It’s possible that IPL franchises might look at Europe as a potential investment zone. However, recently, plans to hold a European T20 franchise tournament this summer are to be shelved until 2026 because three potential owners are instead focusing on completing deals to buy team stakes in The Hundred. This league involves city-based franchises from Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands. This postponement suggests challenges in establishing new leagues in the region.
IPL franchises may also be eyeing the United States and Saudi Arabia for future investment. In the U.S., cricket has a huge following, with leagues like Major League Cricket (MLC) offering huge business potential. Franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings already own teams there and the U.S. offers strong sports infrastructure, sponsors and a massive loyal fanbase that could be beneficial. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia is planning its own high-profile T20 league which is backed by major funding. With its aim to become a global sports hub, and more people becoming interested in cricket, it’s an appealing option for IPL owners, especially given its strategic location which could benefit both logistics and audience reach.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, IPL cricket franchises have made numerous investments around the world. With franchises already investing in leagues across multiple continents, the next phase of growth will likely focus on regions like the USA, Europe and even Saudi Arabia. These new markets help the IPL make more money, find new players and grow into a global cricket leader.