Islamabad, 25 March 2025: Former cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu hails IPL for revolutionizing finances in cricket, calling it a dream for marketers.
As the 2025 IPL season begins with a grand spectacle, he compared its financial strength to England’s county championship during his playing days.
Sidhu pointed out that while Indian cricketers once sought opportunities in English county cricket, the situation has now reversed, with international players eager to participate in the IPL.
He remarked that the league’s ability to attract top talent worldwide has significantly elevated India’s stature in global cricket.
Referring to last year’s auction in Jeddah, where Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc secured a record-breaking ₹21 crore deal, Sidhu emphasized that such financial rewards were unheard of in other cricketing nations.
He stressed that despite criticism, Indian cricket’s administration deserves credit for the league’s overwhelming success.
Expressing admiration for the IPL’s influence, he noted that Indian cricket’s commercial strength has reached extraordinary levels, enabling it to market itself successfully on a global scale.
Reflecting on the performances in the 2024 IPL season, Sidhu highlighted the emergence of young players like Abhishek Sharma and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, who made significant contributions.
Addressing the ongoing debate about the transition between experienced players and young talent, he dismissed any conflict between generations.
Sidhu asserted that the rising stars of Indian cricket have been nurtured by the golden era of senior players.
He expressed confidence that the younger generation is well-prepared to carry forward India’s cricketing legacy, marking a seamless transition in the sport’s evolution.
With IPL continuing to attract global attention and financial success, Sidhu’s remarks underline its unparalleled influence on modern cricket.
