IPL Transformed Cricket into Business: Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, believes the Indian Premier League (IPL) has fundamentally changed cricket, and turned it from a sport into a business.

The massive popularity of the IPL has attracted cricketers worldwide with its hefty salaries and fast-paced format, inspiring similar leagues to emerge globally.

Sponsorships and advertising have skyrocketed in these leagues, which benefits not only established stars but also uncapped players who can now pursue professional cricket full-time.

While white-ball cricket is a prime example, the former Pakistan all-rounder stated that County cricket also offered financial rewards, albeit for a longer season focused on red-ball cricket.

“Money has arrived, and things have changed,” Afridi said on the 180 Not Out podcast. “Cricket has become a business; earlier it was a sport. There’s a lot of commercialization, leagues are popping up everywhere. Honestly, the IPL has opened everyone’s eyes regarding money in white-ball cricket.”

Afridi further added:

“Previously, County cricket had money too, but it was for a long season with the red ball. Now, money is everywhere due to commercialization. Players are financially compensated, and this keeps them interested even outside their national teams. They get opportunities in various leagues, which is a positive development.”

The financial clout of the IPL is evident in the record-breaking deals secured by Australian fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for the IPL 2024 season.

While Mitchell Starc was acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a staggering INR 24.75 crore, Pat Cummins was signed by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.5 crore. Additionally, Hardik Pandya’s trade from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians fetched a record-breaking INR 15 crore.