The Indian Premier League (IPL) competition was launched in 2008 and quickly became a global phenomenon. Its popularity then grew even more as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) successfully exploited the modern T20 format and helped the game reach new homes within and across its borders. . Kolkata IPL team CEO Venky Mysore believes that the IPL is still just a “13-year-old toddler”, but this toddler is clearly being hailed by sports heavyweights such as the NBA and the NFL. It seems to be attracting attention.
Also Read | Harsha Bhogle excited about Kolkata IPL owners buying LA T20 franchise, Venky Mysore reacts
Kolkata CEO Venky Mysore talks about the popularity of IPL in the US
On Wednesday, December 9, Venky Mysore interacted with India's veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (R. Ashwin) on his YouTube channel. During the interaction, Mysore revealed that the IPL has also attracted attention from several major US-based sports leagues such as his NBA and his NFL. When R. Ashwin asked whether IPL could compete with leagues like EPL in terms of popularity, Mysore said that although the tournament is still a “13-year-old toddler”, it could compete with “bigger leagues”. He said that sex “definitely exists.”
The Kolkata CEO added that he often speaks with NBA, NFL and MLB officials whenever he is invited to a specific press conference during his visit to the US. Through their conversations, they realized that the IPL was already ahead of them in “certain aspects” such as digital content and fan support, despite some competitions being over 100 years old.
Also Read | Will Parthiv Patel play in IPL 2021?Stamper gives big update on future of competition
Venky Mysore even revealed that some of these officials have expressed surprise behind the rapid growth of IPL at the global level. He said some officials often ask him, “Wow, you've done all this in such a short period of time.'' Here is the entire conversation between R Ashwin and his Venky Mysore as the franchise gears up for his IPL 2021 season next year.
Also Read | Will countries be forced to prioritize Mushtaq Ali Trophy over Ranji Trophy in IPL 2021 auction?
Kolkata IPL team owners announce partnership with Major League Cricket
Earlier this month, the Kolkata IPL team owners expanded their reach by announcing that they would invest in the upcoming US-based Major League Cricket T20 tournament. Red Chillies Entertainment Group already owns an IPL franchise and also owns a franchise with Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). On December 1, Venky Mysore confirmed the partnership with American Cricket Enterprises on Twitter.
We are excited to announce a new partnership between the Knight Riders and American Cricket Enterprises in US Major League Cricket! We look forward to introducing T20 cricket to America! @USA Cricket @KK Rider @TKRider pic.twitter.com/6vsGp8yWWq
— Venky Mysore (@VenkyMysore)
Also Read | Virat Kohli and KL Rahul move up one place each in latest ICC T20I batsmen rankings
