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like the NBA and Major League Baseball enjoy today.

But how do you plan to create 'fans' under a system where there are no national/local boundaries? Are cricket fans in India ready for club affiliations and city loyalties? The Premier Hockey League is struggling...

I would be truly happy if the DLF IPL is able to build a polarised fan following over the next few years as that will revolutionise cricket—the way it is played or watched or followed in India. But propogating the ‘My City My Team’ syndrome is without a doubt the end objective. I think a mix of factors such as the on-field and off-field successes of the team in developing a fan base and working within the community would further help.

I am highly confident of the success of IPL. ‘Fans’ will be created once the tournament starts. The English Premier League and other European leagues are models for us. People would like their own city teams to do well. They will go and watch the matches and support their own city teams. I don’t think hockey can be given as an example to compare with what is likely to happen to cricket.

Have the franchisees given you a blueprint or some indications as to how they propose to build the various team brands? Do the franchisees stand a chance of making immediate profits?

Our franchisee mix is a delectable combination of some of the most business savvy corporate houses and Bollywood stars, each having created billion dollar franchises for themselves in their own right. In that sense, I am certain that each of our franchisers has understood the rules of the game and will leave no stone unturned to ensure success.

We have of course given each franchise a set of guidelines in which to operate. It is up to each of them to build its own brand and they don’t have to submit to us any blueprint.

With all the money pouring into IPL, do you think funds available for other sports will soon dry up?