BCCI earns INR 4,000 crore from IPL 2020; TV viewership increases by 25%

Prior to the start of the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL), there were loads of apprehensions, surrounding a lot of aspects regarding the tournament. There was even a time when the cash-rich league was without a title sponsor after VIVO backed out due to the cross-border tensions between India and China. But countering the threats, the IPL took place from September 19 to November 10.

After its conclusion, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sounded satisfied with how things panned out. Resorting to cost-cutting, the world’s richest cricket board garnered revenue of INR 4,000 crore and the television viewership soared up by 25 per cent.

The opening match of the tournament between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi turned out to be a record-breaker as well. BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal was over the moon after the successful conduct of the IPL.

Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL, BCCI Treasurer

“The Board managed to cut nearly 35 per cent of the cost as compared to the last IPL. We earned Rs 4,000 crore during the pandemic time. Our TV viewership went about 25 per cent higher, we got the highest-ever opening game (Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings) viewership.

“Those who doubted us came and thanked us for hosting the IPL. Had this IPL not happened, cricketers would have lost one year,” Dhumal was quoted as saying in The Indian Express.

Most of the teams had over 40 members with MI’s contingent being the largest with over 150 members, including a hairdresser, a make-up artist and a tailor. Adequate arrangements were made in case of an emergency.

“In case we had any COVID cases, the board had blocked 200 rooms separately so that patients can be quarantined and only join once they have fully recovered,” he stated.

The IPL didn’t get off to the greatest of starts after members of the Super Kings were tested positive for the coronavirus. However, instead of pressing the panic button in crisis, the appropriate steps were taken.

“When we heard the news, we tried to understand whether it is asymptomatic or serious. We were told all are asymptomatic. So, all went under isolation and we went by all health authorities’ advice. We must thank the UAE, which stood with us every moment,” Dhumal added.