The Future of the ICL

We have seen how the Japanese make expensive but high quality electronic products and how China knocks-off these products and floods the subcontinent. The inception of Indian Premier League (IPL) has just been the reverse. Kapil Dev and co. somehow got the brilliant idea of employing a city-wise cricket tournament which not only will bring in a crazy crowds but also will be an ideal kick-off for the Indian Cricket League (ICL). They followed the idea up with a modest implementation and thus a modest success. Enter the richest cricket body in the world, BCCI. They smell out the significance of this (non-patentable) idea and translate it to the IPL in a grand fashion (But Lalit Modi claims the opposite!). Ironically, the BCCI is now condescending on the ICL and claims to be glad to lend a helping hand to the latter. After the immense success of what may be hailed as the most profitable sporting event in the country, the ICL seems discoloured and has a lot of mending work to do. Here are a few possible effects of the IPL phenomenon on the future of ICL:

ICL removes their restriction on participation in IPL


ICL may think of lifting their restriction that players of ICL may not play in the IPL so that newer players do not opt or IPL without a thought and to attract seasoned players. But with the current funds and pay scales, this may not be implemented, for the existing players may leave to IPL!

ICL increases funds allotted to the promotion and execution of the tournament


Tough call, especially with no organisational backup as in the case of IPL. But if they could do that, then we have a game on between the IPL and the ICL!

ICL reconciles with the BCCI


If ICL has the guts and the down-to-earth attitude and joins the BCCI, it may convert the ICL tournament into a smaller form of the IPL or as a platform for selection at a more domestic level, may be in a different format too.

ICL chooses to be an inter-season tournament


In my opinion, the most probable choice for the ICL would be to conduct its tournament between two consecutive IPL tournaments so that it generates employment opportunities fot the new players and provide perennial entertainment for the audience. For this, though, they have to have a thoroughly planned and tight schedule in harmony with the ICC’s.

The ICL has to bounce back big time if it requires the Indian audience to remember and look forward to it. Whatever be the case, the war between the clubs is good for both the entertainment of the audience and the employment and recognition of the ever-struggling players who strive to make a mark at the international level. If you can think of/predict some other courses of action, please comment those too.