OTD 2007: BCCI announces launch of Indian Premier League

T20 cricket was revolutionised back on September 13, 2007, when the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). With the state of the Indian team looking frail after the ODI World Cup crashout and a series loss to England, the inaugural T20 World Cup had just begun, and the men in blue were testing their waters in the newest format. 

However, on that fateful Thursday, the BCCI came up with the Indian Premier League (IPL), franchise T20 tournament. Featuring the world’s top players and held in the months of April-May in 2008, the competition promised everything that the shortest format of the game had to offer. 

Interestingly enough, as a matter of co-incidence, Team India were supposed to play their first-ever T20 World Cup game on the same day against Scotland. But due to incessant rains, the game was washed out. However, what boosted the tournament’s popularity was Team India defeating Pakistan in the summit clash of the T20 World Cup 2007 and making quite the name for themselves in the format. Shortly after the announcement of the IPL, the BCCI also announced several deals, breaking all sorts of records.

Brendon McCullum lights up IPL opener with thrilling century

The TV rights deal brought in more than $1 billion, followed by the auction of franchises for $700 million. The first game of the IPL saw Brendon McCullum play a knock for the ages, scoring 158 runs in 73 deliveries representing Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Furthermore, the IPL managed to maintain the stand that international commitment for a player should always take priority. However, it did not stop the players from prioritizing the IPL ahead of their national duties, something that is often seen in the modern era today. In 2009, former West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle refused an annual contract, relying completely on the IPL.

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Soon after its inception, the IPL became the tournament to follow, the premier event, and the staple for everything that followed. More than 16 years since the first season, the IPL continues to inspire and remains one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the world.