Most pundits say to succeed, IPL, has to instill city-based loyalty or regional pride among Indian cricket fans. They are doubtful of its success because Indian fans are nationalist. Nevertheless, they have concluded that creating team loyalty is a long haul and have reserved their judgment.
However, lets us examine whether the franchisees need loyal fans to turn profitable.
It is common knowledge that when Indians do not play, cricket matches attract fewer viewers. It is also a fact that most Indians feel their life is in limbo when there are no matches featuring India.
Additionally for a long time now, cricket associations have been making its profit out of television and other peripheral revenue streams. Even Test matches turn profitable because of the money generated through television broadcasting rights.
This is why IPL and its franchisees are sure to succeed. They do not need loyal fans for their teams. They just need to ensure a large TV audience and the BCCI has ensured just that.
By ensuring the Indian team has no International fixtures during the inaugural IPL tournament, the BCCI has created a vacuum. As a result, the cricket starved Indian fan has no recourse to feed his addiction. He will perforce to tune in to watch the IPL matches.
So where is the need to instill city-based loyalty or regional pride?
6 comments:
There may be no need to instill city based loyalty but I think the BCCI have achieved that as well through the Icon players and the mandatory requirement of a certain amount of players from the regional catchment areas.
Its bound to succeed and change the way we know cricket.
Yeah.. Loyal fans are not that necessary for the financial success of the IPL.. But ensuring or increasing the 'loyal fan base' will lead to increased profits for the franchise.. Also like any business, regular customer or loyal fans are the segment from which you can make the most profits..
- Robin
i've written about this. i think it won't be that hard for people to root for the cities. already people are picking their city-teams based on their favourite players. the naysayers will have to eat humble pie.
Q,
I agree, IPL is bound to succeed.
Robin,
Maybe the second season a loyal fan base will be important.
BTW, will Vijay's fans do the trick?
U,
I missed that post.
Post a Comment