The charming town of Dharamshala is bustling with activity in May. Nestled at the base of the Lesser Himalayas and rich in Tibetan culture, it is a popular tourist destination year-round. However, when the Indian Premier League (IPL) comes to town for a few games each year, there is a sudden influx of visitors eager to experience cricket against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
This year, the HPCA Stadium will host an IPL Playoff game for the first time in history, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans competing for a spot in the T20 final. Ahead of the match on his home turf, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal sat down with Sportstar to discuss the future of the tournament and the challenges faced this season.
Hosting the Playoffs at HPCA Stadium is a source of pride, as it has been ranked as the best stadium in the world. The intense competition in the IPL, with teams fighting till the last game, has contributed to the tournament’s growth over the past decade. While there have been discussions about changing the qualification process, the current format rewards consistency.
The IPL is considering expanding to a full home and away format with equal numbers of games for each team. While some suggest giving teams more control over pitches, the focus remains on providing top-quality games for fans. Despite reports of a drop in satellite television audience, the IPL has seen growth in total consumption, especially on regional channels.
There are no concerns about audience fatigue during the IPL, but discussions with broadcasters may explore the possibility of moving the tournament to a different window. Overall, the league has performed well this year, and there is excitement about its future. When the next bilateral tender is available, we will assess the situation to see if there is an opportunity to make adjustments. The weather is currently a challenge, especially with the rising temperatures in May. We are exploring potential scheduling options from February to April and later in the year to mitigate this issue.
The IPL has a significant impact not only on the BCCI but also on other cricket boards and players worldwide. We are collaborating with our counterparts from different countries to determine the best course of action for the tournament and the global cricket community.
Despite facing various challenges over the years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Operation Sindhoor, we have successfully managed to navigate through them. The recent fuel crisis has posed some difficulties, but we have been able to continue the tournament operations smoothly so far, thanks to the government’s responsiveness.
Overall, we are committed to overcoming any obstacles that may arise and ensuring the IPL’s success. Our experience in handling unforeseen circumstances has prepared us to tackle any challenges that come our way.
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