Indian Express

Express India

Screen

Loksatta

Express Cricket

Kashmir Live

Biz Publications
 
| Make this your homepage | RSS

FACE-OFF : LALIT MODI

"We aren’t here to teach anything to anyone"


Posted: 2008-03-25 00:19:18+05:30 IST
Updated: Mar 25, 2008 at 0041 hrs IST

Today, it is gives me great pride and satisfaction to see manner in which the Indian Premier League has evolved.

Please throw some light on the logistics of hosting the IPL. I mean from hotel bookings to flight tickets to ferrying cricketers from one country to another and then carrying them from one city to another, it all seems like a huge challenge.

I have always believed in the age-old adage of ‘where there is a will, there will always be a way’. And the task that you have outlined is not as complicated or cumbersome as you make it out to be. Corporate India also stands convinced about the product and the revenue model and has shown the appetite and passion for cricket.

Given that we now have synergies and huge support behind our efforts, a simple task like team logistics and boarding becomes virtually inconsequential. We have professionals who are managing the same and I am certain everything will be organised really well given that all our teams are meticulous at crossing their “Ts” and dotting their “Is”.

Cricketing nations outside the sub-continent fear that the IPL economy would jeopardise traditional cricket economy in terms of marketing and sponsorships. Please comment.

These fears are unfounded. Why is that we are hearing these voices of discontent only when India wanted to improve its domestic cricketing infrastructure with a league like the DLF IPL?

I am very optimistic that DLF IPL will turn into a global phenomenon and help take cricket to the next level. I have no doubt in my mind that if we build on the IPL platform over the next few years, we will have a format that could well revolutionise the way cricket is played, watched and followed globally. Kind of like what Kerry Packer and Channel 9 did to cricket earlier.

Imagine a domestic event in India covered globally, and our youngsters playing with the worlds’ best, showcasing their skills and also learning, with the best coaches and support staff to help them improve their game. Additionally, the adrenalin packed Twenty 20 format, which is fast-paced and exciting should also appeal to a global audience. And who knows a couple of years down the line the DLF IPL could well have its first Chinese or American player import—playing for one of the eight franchises. Kind of along the lines of the global appeal, fan base and player base that leagues...

Single Page Format Previous - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - Next
Ads by Google
Discuss this story on expressindia forums

Post Comments

Comments: (Limit 3,000 characters)
Name
Message
Email ID
Subject
TERMS OF USE:
The views, opinions and comments posted are your, and are not endorsed by this website. You shall be solely responsible for the comment posted here. The website reserves the right to delete, reject, or otherwise remove any views, opinions and comments posted or part thereof. You shall ensure that the comment is not inflammatory, abusive, derogatory, defamatory &/or obscene, or contain pornographic matter and/or does not constitute hate mail, or violate privacy of any person (s) or breach confidentiality or otherwise is illegal, immoral or contrary to public policy. Nor should it contain anything infringing copyright &/or intellectual property rights of any person(s).
I agree to the terms of use.

Comments
Shaadi Matrimonials
Get Marriage Proposals by Email EVERYDAY!
20% Cash back on hotels
- Yatra.com
Send Gifts
Flowers and Gifts