Given that India is the largest cricket market in the world, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal thinks Cricket Australia’s decision to introduce the Big Bash League there is a logical one.
In an effort to reach the biggest viewers in the sport, Cricket Australia has scheduled the BBL opening for December at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
India’s standing in the world of cricket, according to Dhumal, made it a clear choice for foreign leagues looking to grow.
“See, India is the biggest cricket market. So definitely, Cricket Australia would want to capitalise on that,” Dhumal told PTI Videos.
“And we wish them all the best for their Big Bash inaugural game this season.”
At a time when cricket is getting ready to make a comeback to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, the IPL chairman saw the decision as a good thing for the sport.
“India, being the leader in world cricket, has a lot of scope to add to world cricket,” he said.
“Since now cricket is becoming part of Olympics, it augurs very well for the game, for its global footprint to reach to the length and breadth across the globe.”
According to Dhumal, Cricket Australia would have thoroughly considered the sporting and commercial advantages of bringing the BBL to India. “I’m sure they would have done their calculations and they are expecting a good boost to their domestic tournament,” he said.
