‘Injuries won’t affect IPL star power’

FAN POWER Even as the IPL’s injury and pullout list grows long, franchises and officials believe there will be no dearth of interest

there will be any decline in interest.”

When the new IPL cycle begins next year, one of the headaches for BCCI will be related to the league’s broadcasting rights.

If reports and sources are to be believed, the BCCI expect a big rise in TV broadcast rights fees in the tender for next cycle, almost double the current figure. However, the broadcasters may not be able to match it if the revenues remain at current levels.

It is said that the current broadcaster is managing to earn only 15-20% profit over the current fees. This season, with lack of stars, their returns could take a hit although officials deny it.

After a heavy home season this time, India will have foreign trips post-IPL till 2018-end with only some cricket at home or in the subcontinent.

Managing their injuries will be crucial. While the loss of cricket due to injuries doesn’t affect India players monetarily as their contracts are covered through insurance, it could be a loss for the league if it has to remain as big in the next cycle.

A recent trend has seen foreign players pulling out of IPL more readily than they did before. It perhaps reflects on the fact that foreign boards are putting their foot down in trying to save their players from burnout. Also the fact that every country has begun to have a league of its own. The case of Mustafizur Rahman exemplifies it. Mustafiz wasn’t given permission by Bangladesh Cricket Board to play in IPL.

“I don’t think it is that big an issue. All this talk of sponsors being cagey is nonsense,” added Shukla.