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The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan: Netflix Doc. Review

by with No Comment CricketCultureFeatured Highlights

The Greatest Rivalry: India vs Pakistan: Netflix Doc. Review

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in the history of sports. This 3-part Netflix documentary delves into this historic cricket rivalry, focusing primarily on the 1999 and 2004 tours. While it provides an engaging look at these high-stakes encounters, the series feels somewhat incomplete, as it largely skips over the period before 1999 and rushes through the events post-2004, condensing nearly two decades into the final 10 minutes of the last episode.

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The Greatest Rivalry: India vs. Pakistan – A Review of the Netflix Cricket Documentary

One of the more thought-provoking moments comes from Pakistani journalist Osman Samiuddin, who draws a cultural comparison by noting that Pakistan’s savings rate lags India’s. He suggests this reflects differing life philosophies – Pakistanis living more in the present versus Indians planning more for the future. Indian journalist Ayaz Memon describes the 1999-2004 era as a clash between Pakistan’s world-class bowlers and India’s formidable batsmen. However, the reality is that both teams were evenly matched during this period, adding to the intensity and unpredictability of their contests.

The documentary effectively captures the electrifying atmosphere whenever these two nations face off, highlighting the high emotions and record TV ratings. Indian cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Kris Srikanth, and Sourav Ganguly provide insightful commentary, but it’s Virender Sehwag who takes center stage for his pivotal role in the 2004 series. On the Pakistani side, Shoaib Akhtar, at the peak of his career, is a key figure, alongside Javed Miandad, Waqar Younis, and Inzamam-ul-Haq. John Wright, the coach of the Indian team in 2004, also shares some noteworthy behind-the-scenes anecdotes.

The series makes a commendable effort to keep political tensions at bay, but the deep-rooted rivalry between the two nations inevitably influences the narrative and the emotions of fans on both sides.

A brief segment touches on the Indian Premier League (IPL), cricket’s biggest moneymaker, noting that Pakistani players participated in the inaugural 2007 tournament. However, the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks led to a political fallout, resulting in the exclusion of Pakistani players from the IPL. This absence has deprived the league of some exceptional talent and the unique buzz that a cross-border rivalry would have generated. The documentary provocatively suggests that had Pakistani players continued in the IPL, the fierce on-field competition might have evolved into a more sporting rivalry, possibly softening fan perceptions across borders.

The timing of this documentary is particularly relevant, with the 2025 Champions Trophy starting this week (Feb 19) in Pakistan. However, citing player safety concerns, India has opted to play all its matches at a neutral venue in Dubai. This decision underscores the ongoing political tensions that overshadow cricketing ties. The documentary leaves viewers pondering whether a day will come when sports can take precedence over politics, allowing fans in both countries to once again experience the thrill of live, cross-border cricket.

Overall, while the documentary provides a nostalgic and thrilling account of one of cricket’s most storied rivalries, a more balanced historical perspective and deeper exploration of the post-2004 era would have made it even more compelling.

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Cricket: Indian Premier League an Entertainment Juggernaut

by with No Comment BusinessCricketFeatured Highlights

Cricket: Indian Premier League an Entertainment Juggernaut

In the realm of cricket, where passion meets spectacle, one tournament stands out above all others: the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since its inception, the IPL has not just captured the imagination of cricket enthusiasts but has also redefined the landscape of the sport. With each passing year, its popularity has soared to new heights, transcending boundaries, and uniting fans in a celebration of cricket and entertainment.

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The meteoric rise of the IPL is perhaps most evident in its television viewership, which has witnessed a remarkable surge year after year. In 2024, the tournament has reached

unprecedented heights, with the first 10 games alone commanding a staggering viewership of 350 million, as reported by the official broadcaster. This milestone underscores the IPL’s status as a global sporting phenomenon.

However, beyond the numbers also lies another pulsating heartbeat of the IPL: the electrifying atmosphere of its live in-person matches. Recently, I had the privilege of attending an IPL game, and what I witnessed was nothing short of extraordinary. The stadium pulsated with energy as fans from all walks of life converged to witness their cricketing heroes in action. From passionate chants to colorful banners, every corner of the stadium exuded a palpable sense of excitement and camaraderie.

What struck me the most was the inclusivity of the IPL experience. It wasn’t solely about cricket; it was a vibrant tapestry of emotions, where families, friends, and strangers united to bask in the excitement of the game. Whether it was the hawkers peddling team merchandise outside the stadium, the bustling metros filled with fervent fans, the thunderous applause following a boundary, or the collective breath held in anticipation before a wicket, each moment felt like a communal journey, transcending barriers of language, gender, and age.

At its core, the IPL represents more than just a cricket league; it embodies the spirit of modern India – a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation, of passion and entertainment. The league’s success can be attributed to its ability to constantly evolve and adapt to always entertain the audience. From introducing innovations like strategic time-outs and impact players, the IPL has consistently raised the bar for sports entertainment.

Moreover, the IPL’s impact extends beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. It has become a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and fostering talent at the grassroots level. Through its various initiatives, the league has endeavored to promote inclusivity, diversity, and social responsibility, making a positive difference for many lives.

As the most-watched cricket league globally, the IPL continues to captivate hearts and minds, reaffirming its status as a cultural phenomenon. With each season, it pushes the boundaries of excellence, offering fans an unparalleled blend of athleticism, excitement, and entertainment. As I left the stadium that day, surrounded by the echoes of cheers and applause, I couldn’t help but marvel at the enduring legacy of the IPL is building – a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transcend.

Ibrahim Mirza also wrote: https://www.angrymetatraders.com/post/icc-men-s-cricket-world-cup-2023-thoughts-predictions which can be read in Angry Meta Traders. For more go to our Sports and Cricket sections.

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Shohei Gets Shown the Money: Dodgers sign Ohtani for 700M

by with No Comment BaseballBusinessFeatured Highlights

Shohei Gets Shown the Money: Dodgers sign Ohtani for 700M

Shohei Ohtani signed a contract yesterday with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 700 million USD over the next ten years. You probably know that already. Here’s the thing, the Dodgers are actually going to make much more money from Ohtani than he will make from them. There are always questions about a player’s health and ability to last the lenght of a long-term contract, but the reasons why this was a good deal for the Dodgers are strong.

Yes, Ohtani does have a track record of getting hurt once in a while. He will likely not be able to pitch during 2024 as his arm heals from a throwing injury from the recently played MLB season. Yet, he will hit, and he will likely do this at a significant level, which could help propel the Dodgers into playoff and championship contention. He is 29 years old and only turns 30 in July of 2024, which signals he has a handful of years ahead with a potential for excellent performances. While playing for the Los Angeles Angels since 2018, Shohei Ohtani has not been able to showcase his talents in the MLB playoffs. That will certainly change when playing for the Dodgers.

Let’s not forget Ohtani’s performance in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He struck out Angel teammate, Mike Trout, to win the Championship for Japan in an absolutely electric moment in March while defeating team USA. Ohtani has and can produce big under the spotlight. He has consistently lived up to and exceeded expectations during his MLB career. It isn’t often players are compared to Babe Ruth in the same sentence, a comparison that was laughable when any name was mentioned with the famous Yankee (and Red Sox before), discussing Ohtani’s ability to pitch and hit puts him politely into the conversation. Ohtani will have to achieve World Series Championships however to solidify this juxtaposition.

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The money being paid to Ohtani may seem obscene to we, the mere mortals of this world, but let’s take a look at some numbers. Let’s consider the additional advertising money the Dodgers will now make being able to market into Japan, and perhaps other nations that love baseball in Asia. Clearly there will be heaps of money made on selling jerseys, not only with Ohtani’s name spelled in English, but Japanese as well. Sponsorships, licenses and merchandising contract costs and values will jump through the roof for companies wanting to be affiliated with the Dodgers.

There is also the worth of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team, which likely just added to their price tag if ‘suiters’ want to try and buy the club, which in the spring of 2023 had an estimated value of 4.8 billion USD. Having Ohtani in the midst of Los Angeles will make this number jump substantially. The Dodgers television and advertising rights are massive already, and can grow larger because of the money they will charge during the broadcasts for commercials. The Dodgers reportably have a 8.35 billion USD deal for their regional broadcast rights with Spectrum SportsNet LA – Time Warner Cable already.

Dentsu Inc., the advertising and public relations giant in Japan, signed a six year 275 million USD with Major League Baseball to sell the rights of MLB games into Japan starting in 2024. However, the Dodgers who are already followed in Japan will certainly add to their exposure among MLB baseball fans in the nation who will want to watch Ohtani play. Major League Baseball and Dentsu are probably thrilled that the Japanese star has signed with the Dodgers and the prospect of more international media attention.

Baseball fans that love the Dodgers and for those that hate them, there is also the knowledge that Ohtani has apparently agreed to defer a huge amount of his contract until year ten. This means the Dodgers will be left room via MLB’S Competitive Balance Tax to operate effectively and still have money to spend on other highly prized players. The Dodgers can go after Japanese pitching ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto with additional piles of cash, who will certainly listen now that Ohtani has joined Los Angeles.

Lastly in terms of numbers, the contract with Ohtani is staggering. Yet there are other contracts in sports that are eye opening. Jon Rahm, the golfer, apparently inked an individual deal with LIV Golf last week which will be worth around 500 million USD to play on the highly cash infused ‘Saudi’ tour instead of the PGA. There has certainly been inflation in the world, but the money being tossed around for ‘players’ is gigantic in the NFL, IPL – Indian Premier League Cricket, assorted football (soccer) leagues globally, Formula 1, NBA, LIV Golf, and MLB which make many contracts questionable. But again, Ohtani may prove to be quite a steal for the Dodgers regarding their ability to make money via this contract.

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Revitalizing Cricket in the USA: Rise of Franchise Cricket

by with No Comment BusinessCricketFeatured Highlights

Revitalizing Cricket in the USA: Rise of Franchise Cricket

Cricket, with a rich historical presence in the United States, has struggled to gain a large following compared to other sports like baseball. However, recent efforts to promote the game have emerged, including the establishment of franchise-based cricket leagues. Here’s a brief history of cricket in the USA, the challenges it has faced, and the introduction of new leagues and cricket franchises as a catalyst for potential growth.

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AngryMetaTraders.com Cricket Coverage

Early Presence and Decline:

Cricket has a long history in the United States, dating back to the 18th century, with the first recorded match taking place in 1751 in New York. During the 19th century, the sport enjoyed significant popularity, attracting large crowds to matches. However, the rising prominence of baseball, another bat-and-ball sport, and the exclusion of the USA from the Imperial Cricket Conference in 1909 led to cricket’s diminishing relevance within the country.

Perseverance through Immigrant Communities:

Cricket has managed to endure in the USA primarily due to immigrant communities from cricket-playing nations such as India, Pakistan, and the Caribbean islands. The USA now has a national cricket team recognized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), largely composed of players from these immigrant communities.

Franchise Cricket – A New Approach:

In recent years, the concept of franchise cricket has gained traction in the United States as a means to stimulate interest in the sport. Franchise-based leagues have played a pivotal role in popularizing cricket globally, attracting international players, unearthing local talent, and delivering captivating cricketing action to fans. Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most lucrative cricket leagues globally. Similar leagues have become popular in other countries like Australia (BBL), Pakistan (PSL), England & Wales (The Hundred), Bangladesh (BPL), West Indies (CPL) and many more.

Using this model in the USA, two franchise cricket leagues have emerged: Minor League Cricket (MiLC) and Major League Cricket (MLC). The MiLC was launched in 2020 and focuses on regional talent development, providing local players and youth (via cricket academies) with a platform to compete at a higher level. However, MiLC’s impact beyond immigrant communities may be limited as the players are still largely composed of immigrants from cricket playing nations.

MLC’s Potential:

The inaugural year of Major League Cricket is set to begin the 13th of July 2023, featuring six franchise teams with international players competing in matches scheduled in Texas and North Carolina. There are some big names who have invested in the MLC, ranging from tech CEOs like Satya Nadella to Bollywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, and venture capitalists among others. These investors will eventually turn into franchise owners. Although the launch of MLC has garnered attention in the cricketing world, its long-term success depends on factors such as attracting sponsorship, generating advertising revenues, and establishing loyal fan bases.

Measuring Success and Building Cricket Culture:

While cricket faces stiff competition from popular sports like baseball, football, and basketball in the United States, the investors and stakeholders in MLC probably understand the challenges ahead. Success should not solely be measured by financial returns, but also by providing opportunities for American cricketers to shine on an international stage. As interest grows, the hope is that cricket will gradually find its way into elementary schools, recreation programs, and the wider U.S sporting landscape.

Growth of USA Cricket and Sustainability:

Cricket’s journey in the United States has been marked by historical significance, challenges, and recent endeavors to popularize the sport. The introduction of franchise cricket leagues like MiLC and MLC brings new opportunities for growth and development, both for players and the overall cricketing culture in the USA. While cricket may never rival the popularity of established American sports, the passion and efforts invested in franchise cricket aim to build a sustainable future for the game, in order to create a lasting impact on the playing fields of the United States.

If you want to read more about cricket, please go to this article by Ibrahim Mirza: https://www.angrymetatraders.com/post/cricket-destined-to-be-a-fountain-of-joy-money-in-india

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Cricket Destined to be a Fountain of Joy & Money in India

by with No Comment CricketCultureFeatured Highlights

Cricket Destined to be a Fountain of Joy & Money in India

Ask any person in India who is young or old, man or woman, city resident or village dweller and you will struggle to find someone who does not understand cricket. Why does the sport have a such a huge following in India? And more importantly, why is the “business of cricket” so lucrative? To put it simply, it was destiny. And to understand this you need to know 4 key events that lined the stars up and destined cricket in India for success.

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First the Victory: June 25th, 1983

The sport of cricket was a remnant from the British rule in India which lasted until 1947. Cricket was considered an upper-class pastime, and probably not expected to survive in an independent India which was mostly poor. Yet cricket managed to endure at first, thanks to private clubs which played the sport for the prestige the British attached to it; and secondly with an even bigger thanks to the famous day of June 25th 1983, when India won the Cricket World Cup against all odds by defeating the mighty West Indies team. The icing on the cake was that the finals were held in London. It was at this point that India put the world on notice, that Indians could and would compete at something their colonial rulers of the past adored. The sense of pride created in India was uninhibited, and the first batch of Indian cricket stars were born out of this event. Naturally the interest and following of the game increased.

Second the Economy: Cricket Rules and the Power of Advertising

In the 1990’s the Prime Minister of India, P.V. Narsimha Rao, opened the economy to allow foreign companies to facilitate their business enterprises in India. Lowering the barriers for entry meant a liberal economy, which brought the likes of Honda, Leyland, Suzuki, Sony, and other well-known corporations to come in and partner with local Indian firms. Foreign capital brought jobs and fresh market competition which meant that India waded out of economic lethargy. International media companies were allowed to broadcast news, shows and sports on prime time television. The business impetus helped kick start the growth of television ads, which would be instrumental in pushing cricket popularity to new heights. How? It so happens that the rules of cricket are structured perfectly well to allow TV broadcasters to show ads every 4-6 minutes. No other sport in India (or probably the world) can boast of this unique set of advertising advantages. This meant there was plenty of advertising revenues to be made, which the broadcasters of course loved. The television broadcasters and BCCI realized these powers quickly and turned the sport into the business of cricket. Wait, who is BCCI?

Third the BCCI: Power to Organize and Create Fame

The Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) is a private body that manages cricket activities in India. In the mid 1990’s as the economy opened, the BCCI sold the TV rights to broadcast Indian matches to Transworld International (TWI). This broke the monopoly of Doordarshan (a state backed broadcaster which did not pay fees to BCCI). After a bitter legal battle, the Supreme Court of India decided that matches were a commodity the BCCI owned, and broadcasters must pay the BCCI if they wanted to air the matches. From the late 1990s to 2000s the BCCI went from strength to strength and hosted several international cricket events, which were a commercial success leading to high profits for the BCCI itself and the International Cricket Council (ICC), a governing body of cricket. These circumstances turned the BCCI into a very profitable entity, and it helped that the BCCI was organized in a focused manner and run like a free business not harmed by government bureaucracy that other sports in India faced.

As the popularity of cricket and its talented players increased, so did the value of its teams and its players sponsorship deals. During the early 2000’s Indian cricket players began to be featured in adverts for shaving creams, sodas, motorcycles, shoes, credit cards and anything else they could pose with on camera. Indian cricketers were now household names and the business of cricket gained critical velocity regarding valuation. The BCCI had become very influential on the world stage and with their ample funds in the coffers, and ready for use the organization took the step to launch the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2007.

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Fourth the IPL: The World of Cricket Takes Notice

The Indian Premier League is a high-intensity short-format (T20) cricket league, which is held annually and is contested by franchise teams. The league uses the shorter format of cricket to maximize viewer entertainment (including cheerleaders, fireworks and DJs) as opposed to showcasing traditional elements of the game like technique, proper form, and mental resilience.

The strength and stature of the BCCI is such that it negotiated with other international cricket boards to block out an exclusive window where fewer international cricket games happened during the IPL season. This meant that cricketers from all over the world (except Pakistan, for political reasons) were available to participate in the IPL. The Indian Premier League is huge.

Here are some important facts and monetary insights to consider:

· The Indian Premier League is the most influential cricket league in the world and attracts a huge audience because of the size and scope of its Indian fans.

· By the year 2014, the IPL was ranked sixth in average attendance via its games compared to all global sports.

· The Indian Premier League broadcast a game live on YouTube in 2010, becoming the first sports event to be officially shown live on the site.

· The IPL brand was valued at nearly 90,038 ‘crore’ (11 billion USD) already in 2022

· It was estimated in 2015 by the BCCI that the Indian Premier League had added 1,150 ‘crore’ (140 million USD) to the economy of India in Gross Domestic Product.

· The IPL achieved the status as a ‘decacorn’ valued at 10.9 billion USD in December of 2022.

· Thus producing a large statistical growth in USD compared to 2020, when the Indian Premier League had an accepted value of approximately 6.2 billion USD, this according to a report compiled by D & P Advisory, a consultant firm which inspected the IPL’s business.

· Recently the IPL championship final for 2023, became the most streamed live event ever on the internet with an estimated 3.2 ‘crore’ (32 million) viewers.

· The Indian Premier League sold its media rights early this year for the 2023–2027 seasons for a price of 6.4 billion USD to the Viacom18 and Star Sports companies.

· Creating a value for every match in the IPL of nearly 13.4 million USD, proving again the might of the gigantic Indian audience which appears to still be growing in stature.

With growing popularity and its ability to expand its audience, naturally corporations have lined up to advertise during the games. Celebrities have vied to own IPL teams and players have been traded at auctions for ridiculous amounts of money. The need for constant fresh talent has brought players from the small nooks and crannies of India to play alongside the international stars, allowing them to gain experience. This element of new players has added to the excitement of IPL for its viewers, while creating a framework to uncover new faces that could go on to play long-term for the Indian national team.

The synergy of the world’s best players along with the development of new talent from India and beyond is a win-win for the BCCI, and it continues to enjoy the growing fruits of success. No one knows when this high will end for cricket in India, but for the moment and foreseeable future expect cricket in India to generate revenues that other international cricket boards can only dream of, while the nation also contends as a top power in the sport globally.