IPL : The next big thing ?

Indian Premier League, better known as IPL, earned at least a billion USD before even bowling a single ball. That not only shows the popularity of cricket in India but also the confidence on future of the second fastest growing economy in the world. IPL has been so far successful in replicating the soccer league system present in Europe. The clubs are held by the investors, which in turn can bid for the players. The soccer leagues and championships, likes of EPL and Champions League, are very popular in Europe. I can say that IPL following Twenty20 format, a recently popular ultra short version of the game, has immense potential in becoming a big hit with the cricket loving nation like India. The tournament is going to start in April 08 and I am expecting it to have decent event this year, given that IPL has received so much publicity recently be it regarding confilct of interest with other board or highest bid for player going upto 1.5m USD or ICL appealing to high court against IPL.
Lots of drama happening off the field so far lets see how it goes when the teams are actually on the field