It may just be my imagination, but there seems to be an unusual amount of angst and tension in the world of cricket at present.
In the last week alone, the proposed privatization of the Big Bash League in Australia has hit the buffers. A consequence of that pushback has been to inflame tensions in contract negotiations between the players and Cricket Australia, something readily admitted by its head selector.
Across the Tasman Sea, New Zealand Cricket’s proposed NZ20 competition, which is expected to include both men’s and women’s franchise tournaments, has been delayed until December 2027. It is intended that NZ20 will sit alongside, not against, international cricket. Confirmed Test series against Australia and Sri Lanka in January and February 2027 have significantly reduced the length of the window available for the tournament to be played in early 2027.
Meanwhile, the Indian Premier League has been attracting and generating various unsavory incidents. These have centered on security breaches, “honey-trap” risks, instances of vaping and dugout protocol violations. As a result, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has issued an eight-page formal “advisory,” or set of warnings, to all of the 10 IPL franchises. They have been reminded that breaches of protocol can lead to irreparable damage to the reputation of the tournament. Furthermore, teams must maintain discipline and adhere to the rules of the tournament with care.
A major concern relates to unauthorized entry of outside elements into player and support staff’s hotel rooms without the permission of the team’s management. The BCCI/IPL now state that no outsiders are allowed in the player or support staff’s room without written permission of the team manager. Furthermore, it mandates that players and support staff can only meet their guests in the common hotel areas, such as the lobby or reception lounge.
The risks of “honey trapping” were also highlighted, along with the potential legal implications. The BCCI also clarified that no owners or their representatives are to enter dugouts, dressing rooms or the playing area during the live match, unless official sanction has been provided according to IPL rules.
Another matter to vex the BCCI occurred on April 28. Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals’ captain, was filmed by cameras while he appeared to be using an e-cigarette inside the dressing room. Needless to say, the visuals quickly went viral across social media platforms and the BCCI had to act. Parag, who admitted the offense, was found in violation of the IPL Code of Conduct and fined 25 percent of his match fee, which appears to be lenient. In a separate incident, on May 6, during a team flight, Punjab Kings’ spinner Yuzvendra Chahal was allegedly filmed vaping in a behind-the-scenes vlog uploaded by a teammate. Clips and screenshots were shared on X by a user.
These incidents have intensified scrutiny and discussions around player behavior, substance use and the boundaries between player-generated content and team protocols in modern cricket.
The BCCI’s written response has been stern, signaling a shift toward stricter enforcement and zero tolerance for violations across all team environments. It really had little option in issuing one of its most stringent behavioral and disciplinary guidelines, reminding franchises that the use of vapes and electronic cigarettes is prohibited under applicable Indian law. Such conduct is not merely a breach of sporting regulations; it could invoke legal proceedings. The ban embraces match venues, team hotels, travel modes, training and practice facilities. Policing the activity may prove difficult.
It would be naive to think that the type of behavior which the BCCI/IPL is now cracking down on, did not exist prior to 2026. However, the board’s secretary did remark, during a press address, that the board had noticed a decline in the strictness of security and anti-corruption measures within certain franchises. It has issued a clear message that disciplinary lapses, real or perceived, will be dealt with far more firmly in future as the IPL seeks to protect its image and integrity. Time will tell, but the need to do so coincides with a time when investor interest in the IPL remains strong.
In early May, the Rajasthan Royals franchise was acquired for $1.65 billion by global steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal, whose family will own a 75 percent share. Indian vaccine tycoon Adar Poonawalla will hold an 18 percent share, with the balance held by existing investors. There were other interested parties.
Indeed, a consortium of US investors led by Arizona-based tech entrepreneur Kal Somani and backed by Rob Walton of the Walmart Group had been thought to be front runners, but, for some reason, their bid could not be completed. Somani’s group expressed disappointment at not being able to own the franchise, having been “motivated by the opportunity to help take the IPL to new international heights.” Instead, ownership remains in India.
This was not entirely the case with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise, which was acquired in late March for $1.78 billion. Their new owners are a consortium comprising American-based alternative asset management firm Blackstone, serial American sports investor David Blitzer, the Aditya Birla Group and Times of India Group. Members of the last two companies will act as the franchise’s chair and vice chair. The seller was United Spirits, the Indian arm of UK-based drinks giant Diageo, which had decided that the franchise was “non-core” to its primary alcohol business. In an example of the returns generated by the IPL, the former owner of United Spirits revealed that he bought the franchise in 2008. Its sale represents a 37 percent increase in value.
Investor interest is buoyed by prospects of future growth. Market research firm Nielsen estimates that two-thirds of Indians are cricket fans, around 950 million. Disposable incomes are rising and drive increased spending on tickets and merchandise. In 2026, ticket prices range from $6 to $200, reaching $1,000 for hospitality and VIP areas, depending on the stadium and match status. Prices have risen steadily over the years, while fan engagement continues outside matches via digital platforms and brand campaigns. IPL teams are now sports and entertainment franchises.
However, concern has been expressed about the falling share of IPL viewership on linear television in 2026. According to BARC India and TAM Sports, a decline of almost 19 percent has occurred, while average daily viewership has decreased by 26 percent and total reach has declined by 8 percent. The total number of advertisers has also declined by 31 percent. Various explanations have been put forward, including a loss of competitive balance between ball and bat, viewer fatigue and the banning of betting apps, which reduces both advertiser numbers and fan engagement.
Nonetheless, digital numbers are very strong and the explanation may lie in the way in which people are consuming content, preferring highlights, short clips and mobile streaming platforms, especially younger audiences.
This fragmentation means that the IPL, along with other sporting events, has evolved into a multi-screen, multi-platform entertainment ecosystem in which measurement of viewing and engagement data needs to consider all channels.
The IPL’s continuing appeal is now encouraging talk of expansion. Chair Arun Dhumal is recently on record as saying that the BCCI will seriously consider a full home-and-away format from the next media-rights cycle, which will start in 2028. It is not planning to introduce new franchises in the near future, so the plans would mean an increase in the number of matches from 74 to 94 and a probable two-week extension of the league.
Much will depend on the appetite of broadcasters but, in a chilling comment, Dhumal said that “given how the interest of the fan is changing with regard to bilateral and ICC events, in regard to franchise cricket and T20 cricket, we’ll have to talk seriously about (expansion) and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game.”
Dhumal did not spell out who he considers those stakeholders to be but, in an ideal world, they should not be limited to investors. Hopefully, his reach extends to players, support staff, spectators, viewers and broadcasters, among others.
The globalization of franchise T20 cricket is reshaping cricket’s landscape, with Australia the biggest battlefield. If the BBL is privatized, either wholly or partly, based on significant Indian and American investment, then a major domino will have dropped into place in that changing landscape. Australia’s players are jostling for an increased share of that space, evaluating it against central contract values and offers from other franchise leagues. It is not my imagination that these are turbulent times Down Under.
