The Indian Premier League has completely changed the whole cricket scene in India, from elite to grassroots level. Its influence on the development of young talent is deep-rooted and reaches out to the macro-level of the game as a whole. This may be seen through the channels of talent discovery promotion, improvement of infrastructure, participation, and inclusion.
Probably, the greatest contribution of IPL to grassroots cricket is in finding and grooming young talent. It is a platform that brings the emerging players under the headlines. Most of the youths have been catapulted into fame through their performances in IPL. Many of them come from small towns and even rural areas. Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya have graduated from obscurity to international recognition through playing in the IPL. The visibility lent by the tournament makes it a source of inspiration for thousands of young athletes who feel that their dream can now come true if they have success in the local leagues and tournaments.
On the other hand, the increasing popularity of the IPL has given birth to cricket academies and grassroots programs in every nook and corner of the country. Thus, with the raging popularity of the tournament, the number of cricket schools providing specialized training for young players is increasing these days. Such academies do not only focus on technical skills but also provide physical fitness as well as mental agility so that aspiring cricketers are well groomed. Inspired by the success of the IPL, several ex-players have opened up their academies, thus providing a vibrant ecosystem for the nurturance of talent. This is where the focus on total development gives the young athlete all it takes to win in the game.
Infrastructure is yet another key area through which the IPL has made its impact. It is from their financial success that franchise teams have been motivated to invest in community initiatives, including the construction and upgrading of local cricket facilities. Of course, an investment in quality pitches, training grounds, and access to coaching will ensure that young players have a conducive environment to learn and play the sport.
Besides helping improve grassroots cricket, it makes the sport more accessible to aspiring cricketers from every rung of socio-economic background.
The IPL has increased participation rates in cricket at grassroots level. The thrill of the tournament attracts massive crowds, not forgetting the younger generation, which follows the excitement to take up the game. When local leagues and schools increase participation, more children take up the game, thus making for a thriving grassroots situation. Children’s pickup games in the neighborhood and at school have come back in force as youngsters vying to be like their heroes playing in the Indian Premier League. This would go a long way for the future of cricket in India as the more participation, the better the game.
Another vital contribution of the IPL to grass root cricket in inclusivity and diversity. The league includes players from various backgrounds where it creates a participation culture cutting across socio-economic classes. Women’s Premier League further takes home this message: Women’s cricket and creating gender balance in sport. This only ensures that young girls are also inspired into the game, broadening the reach of the sport.
More importantly, the IPL has been transformative in grassroots cricket in regards to identifying talent, infrastructure development, and increased participation, as well as inclusiveness. With the tournament still very strong, it is fair to argue that the effectiveness of IPL will subsequently translate into a new generation of talented players that will sustain the game of cricket in India in all its spectrums. It’s this kind of legacy that the IPL will take to the graveyard – not only on the professional arena but in hearts of thousands of young cricketers yearning to make some noise in the game.
