Change is something that is often feared in many sports as decision-makers more frequently than not prefer sticking to the tried and tested formula.
Although traditions are important in sport, the world is changing at a fast pace. This means consumers’ needs are also shifting. The Indian Premier League (IPL) in cricket and National Rugby League (NRL) are two great examples of how change can help competitions rise all the way to the very top. Here is a look at how these two leagues were able to do that.
IPL Are The Leading Leagues In Their Respective Sports
Twenty20 cricket is the newest format in the sport. When it was launched in the 00s, few expected it to stick around for long. This shorter format of the game was made to appeal to those who wanted to see a match wrapped up in a few hours.
What T20 cricket has delivered is fireworks. It has brought a whole new audience to cricket, while at the same time the traditionalists in the sport have grown to love it too. Unsurprisingly, the organisers of the IPL were quick to react to the success of T20 cricket. They launched a franchise league in India with the aim of attracting the best players from around the world. In 2008 the league was up and running with eight teams from eight different cities in India.
This was done to great success, as each year the IPL gets bigger and better. It is not only the most lucrative domestic cricket league in the world, it is one of the most lucrative competitions across any sport. This year’s renewal is the 14th in history and one in which the Mumbai Indians the defending champions after their success in 2020.
Shifting sports to rugby league, and there are a lot of comparisons with the success the IPL has had with the NRL. In 1998 a national competition was created in order to bring all the leading rugby league teams in Australia.
At the time of the NRL, many clubs in Australia were in financial ruins. They simply could not carry on the way they were going. The NRL rescued them as it gave rugby league fans around the world a product they did not want to miss, and clubs were then able to generate cash which helped them flourish.
In the early stages of the NRL, teams had to meet criteria to continue as part of the league. These included crowd size, sponsorship, and on-field success and although it seemed harsh at the time, it helped the NRL grow to the standard it at today.
This year’s NRL will be the 24th season in its format. Penrith Panthers are the +250 favorites in the rugby league betting to prevail in the Grand Final. Their last success came in 2003. They did reach the final in 2020 but were beaten by Melbourne Storm which is another way the high standard of the league is demonstrated.
New Leagues Set To Launch In 2021
A number of new leagues are set to launch in 2021 and they will be hoping they too can make a success of their format. One of those is the Hundred competition in cricket in England.
Eight teams will take part in the Hundred from cities around the UK. An innings will consist of 100 balls and it will be presented in a different way to how cricket is normally done, with lots of cricket terminology dropped. The IPL and NRL have proved that you need to be innovative and brave when it comes to launching new leagues. Others will be hoping for the same kind of success in their respective sports.
Disclaimer: The above-mentioned story is for information purpose only and the viewers are requested to look forward accordingly as IndiaShorts.com does not take any responsibility of the losses that may occur in further activities of traders and/or buyers.
