 and franchises in the Indian Premier League could be missing out on nearly Rs 2,400 crore){kind=link}
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and franchises in the Indian Premier League could be missing out on nearly Rs 2,400 crore in revenue every season due to the current tournament format, according to former IPL chairman Lalit Modi.
Reduced Matches, Reduced Revenue
At present, the IPL follows a 74-match format despite expanding to 10 teams. However, Modi argues that a full home-and-away structure—where each team plays every other team twice—would increase the total number of matches to 94.
The absence of this format, primarily due to scheduling constraints, is resulting in significant financial losses for both the board and the franchises.
Where the Losses Come From
Modi highlighted that broadcasting and media rights form a major chunk of IPL revenue. According to his estimates, each additional match could generate substantial income.
- Around Rs 118 crore revenue per match
- 20 fewer matches under the current format
- Estimated total loss: nearly Rs 2,400 crore per season
Out of this, approximately Rs 1,200 crore would have been distributed among franchises, translating to roughly Rs 120 crore per team annually.
Importance of Home-and-Away Format
The home-and-away system is central to franchise valuation and fan engagement. It ensures:
- More home games for teams
- Increased ticketing and local sponsorship revenue
- Greater fan participation and regional reach
Modi stressed that this format was a key part of the IPL’s original commercial structure.
Scheduling vs Expansion Debate
Modi questioned the decision to expand the league without accommodating a complete schedule. He suggested that if the calendar cannot support more matches, the number of teams should not have been increased.
Views on Cricket Formats
Beyond the IPL, Modi also shared his perspective on the future of cricket formats:
- Supported the continuation of Test cricket, especially in day-night format
- Suggested that One Day Internationals (ODIs) have lost relevance
- Asserted that T20 leagues like the IPL face no real competition globally
Conclusion
The debate over IPL’s format highlights the delicate balance between commercial growth and logistical feasibility. While expansion has boosted the league’s scale, the lack of a full home-and-away schedule may be limiting its true financial potential.