IPL braces for big expenses

Pushed into a corner by the Union government, the Indian Premier League had no option but to look for overseas venues to stage the second edition of the event. South Africa and England have emerged as alternate venues for the event, which is good news for cricket fans but increases IPL’s headaches manifold.

When the IPL was launched in 2008, the eight franchises signed on to the tournament looking at the long-term profits associated with the venture. It is a known fact that Kolkata Knight Riders were the only franchise to break even in the first season of the mega-event.

However, it was a profitable venture for the Board of Control for Cricket in India as the inaugural edition of the tournament added a profit of Rs 350 crores to its coffers. With the tournament moving out of India in its second edition, all franchises are looking at the substantial losses.