Sourav Ganguly Calls IPL Bigger Than Premier League After Rajasthan Royals’ ₹15,000 Crore Sale
Sourav Ganguly hails IPL’s phenomenal growth as Rajasthan Royals fetch record ₹15,000 crore in historic sale.
NEW DELHI: Legendary India captain Sourav Ganguly lauded the Indian Premier League (IPL) after Rajasthan Royals (RR) became the most expensive franchise in the league’s history, sold for USD 1.63 billion (over ₹15,000 crore). Ganguly, who faced the very first ball of the inaugural IPL season in 2008, expressed amazement at the league’s rapid rise, comparing its stature to global sports powerhouses like the Premier League and the NBA.
“It’s great news for the IPL. When it started in 2007, I faced the first ball of the league in 2008 – RCB versus KKR. To see where the IPL has reached now is phenomenal,” Ganguly told NDTV.
He highlighted the league’s global appeal, noting interest from US-based buyers and the impressive growth of cricket’s international footprint. “The IPL is as big as the NBA. Broadcast rights are massive, sometimes even surpassing Premier League games. The numbers involved are mind boggling for a tournament lasting just two and a half to three months a year,” Ganguly added.
The Rajasthan Royals were acquired by a consortium led by Kal Somani, founder of IntraEdge, Academian, and Truyo.AI, and backed by Rob Walton of the Walmart family and the Hamp family, majority owners of NFL team Detroit Lions. Later on Tuesday, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reportedly sold for USD 1.78 billion (over ₹16,000 crore), setting another record in IPL franchise valuations.
