Everybody has a point of view but it’s all up to the franchisees to have the cheerleaders or not. In fact, if it adds to the IPL experience without being lewd then it’s okay. It’s unfortunate that these controversies exist, but what did work for IPL is the cricket.
Mint reported that the agreement between BCCI and IMG World, IPL’s event management company, might be revised. Will there be any other management change?
All I can say is that everybody will do what is in the interest of the business. So, if a change is needed, there will be a change. But as of now, things stay the way they have been.
Recently, Dave Richardson of ICC’s anti-corruption unit talked about how IPL faces the risk of match-fixing. What is BCCI doing to guard against this?
IPL functions under the same anti-corruption protocols ICC is governed by. In fact, the ICC head of anti-corruption heads the mandate for IPL, so there’s no need to worry. All protocols are as per ICC guidelines. We have taken all security measures to make sure the anti-corruption and security unit performs its duties. In cricket there’s no first and last year where such measures are concerned, as the format may be moved, but the games, measures and processes remain the same. So, it’s not like we will be adding any new rules to combat corruption.
What can viewers expect as the next visible step from IPL?
Clearly, IPL has done the most difficult part of the job—establishing awareness and thankfully it has got a good amount of following. Now, it’s important to look at different ways to engage with consumers. Consumers will see a lot of activity from franchise owners who will be focusing very strongly on building team loyalties. Recently, I was watching the Middlesex finals and there was a spectator wearing a Rajasthan Royals T-shirt—this is the kind of awareness and visibility we are going to build. Our merchandising efforts are in full swing now.