Over the years, Cricket has gained unmatched popularity in India. India is one of the topmost and the most popular cricketing nation of the world. Five years ago Indian Cricket went one step and created the “Club version” of the game in the form of the Indian Premier League or IPL. Apart from the cricket match, the cheer girls, mascots and bright costumes of the cricketers also lend glitz and grandeur to the event. There is a high voltage atmosphere which makes it all the more exciting for the viewers. The foreign Cricketers are also floored by the amazing crowd support and fan following of the Indians. And the admirable hospitality touches their heart so much that they absolutely love to come here.

But petals are accompanied by the thorns. IPL is criticized for a number of reasons. It is often said that “IPL promotes Greed like no other”. The players are put up for Auction for the IPL. They are sold like a commodity, for millions of Rupees. It is also said that it is for this reason that Cricketers now prefer to play in the IPL rather than their own countries. Another blame on the IPL is, “IPL is promoting Butchers rather than class Cricketers”, according to Arjun Ranatunga (former Sri Lankan Cricketer & Cricket Official). It is said that the Twenty20 version only teaches to take wickets or score boundaries. It does not lay stress on the technique which is why the blossoming cricketers lack the class and hence fail in the long run.

These views cannot be discarded but IPL also has few positives which also cannot be ignored. The IPL promotes the game of cricket like no other. It also promotes camaraderie among national and international cricketers. And when it comes to young cricketers, IPL proves to be godsend. At the IPL, the young Cricketers get play with the top cricketers and their heroes who have inspired them.They can gain experience, learn the intricacies of the game from their seniors and develop their skills accordingly.  Apart from this, IPL matches are a platform for the young talent and the national selectors have the opportunity to observe their talent and pick up the deserving  ones for Team India.  

Whatever one might say, but the IPL is one of the most popular cricket leagues of the world. The height is that former cricketing legends around the world are demanding a place for the IPL in the International Schedule, so that all the cricketers can get the opportunity to play there. Such is the charisma of the IPL but one just hopes that it uplifts the gentleman’s spirit and safeguards the honor of the game of Cricket.