Cricket is one of the most popular sports in the world. It has taken root in countries forming part of the Commonwealth. India, the world’s most populous country, has a distinction for cricket popularity and success. BC.GAME crypto gambling enthusiasts can now wager on various Indian Premier League (IPL) games.
For North American and Caribbean sports fans, baseball is the closest sport to cricket. They have significant differences and are popular in different parts of the world for this reason. In the UK, South Asia, South Africa, and countries like the West Indies, cricket has a devoted following, with fans taking test cricket and tournaments very seriously. India has taken cricket to a new level, with the IPL becoming to cricket what the NBA is for basketball.
Sports betting fans can relish the opportunities created by the IPL. It is yet another professional sports league that packs its fair share of betting markets for one to explore. Let’s find out what the IPL has in store for betting fans:
About The Indian Premier League (IPL)
The IPL is a professional cricket league that started in 2008 and has since become the most notable cricket league in the world. It is so popular that it outshines some international competitions.
The IPL uses the Twenty-20 format, making it easy for casual fans to follow. In T-20, games are shorter, with opposing teams having one inning each, each being restricted to a maximum of 20 overs. Accordingly, a game can last only two and a half hours, far shorter than standard international cricket matches, which take days to conclude. T20 cricket started in 2002 and is credited with onboarding more fans who can appreciate the fast-paced competition.
India is the most successful country in T20 World Cups. Accordingly, fans took up the league with teams in major Indian cities, setting the stage for rivalries and packed games. The league utilizes a round-robin and knockout format. Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regulates and markets the league. It has grown into a lucrative cricket enterprise that attracts endorsements and massive TV deals.
Games usually begin in the late afternoon or evening for optimal TV audiences. Some matches are played under floodlights, a departure from traditional cricket that starts in the morning hours. Initially, there were home and away games for each team, but as the league expanded, some teams played single encounters.
Once the top four teams emerge, they play out a contest of three playoff matches, with teams that lose twice getting eliminated. The two teams reach the final playout for the championship, and the winner is crowned.
Impact Of The IPL
Before this league launched, cricket stars couldn’t make the money other professional athletes did. The most they could wait for was international test matches that had fixed prize money and were only on an occasional basis.
Once the IPL emerged, these athletes got a lucrative and regular opportunity to showcase their talents. The league got investment from major Indian companies, Bollywood stars, and media houses. India’s massive population provided a ready market for the league, with international audiences providing extra revenue. Stars like Mahendra Dhoni were paid millions to sign with big teams, with the salaries growing bigger with time.
Teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore were part of the founding eight franchises and continue attracting big names. International greats from the late Shane Warne, Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and more have plied their trade in this league, further increasing popularity.
Additionally, the IPL gave T20 cricket identity and allowed itself to carve a niche amongst other recognized forms of cricket. Sponsors like TATA have come on board and helped the league grow and attract leading talent. The IPL has become so strong that some international tournament organizers have moved events from the IPL peak during summer months because players may not be available.
The league is valued at about $11 billion, making it one of the most valuable sports leagues globally. In the latest edition, the Gujarat Titans defeated the Rajasthan Royals in the final game to emerge champions.
One issue the league still has unresolved is allowing Pakistani players to participate. Relations between the two nations are always tense, and the attacks on the Taj Mahal in 2008 by alleged Pakistani nationals made it difficult for Pakistanis to play in the IPL. Accordingly, greats like Babar Azam are yet to feature in the IPL.
Bet On The IPL On BC GAME
T20 cricket is more exciting for the average fan as the games are fast-paced. This league allows bettors to bet on games and know the result in a couple of hours. Accordingly, players can bet on various markets within the game or the overall result. Notable players like Virat Kholi have individual markets based on metrics such as batting averages. Gamers must understand this sport before making a bet to have higher chances of successful bets. Those interested in cricket will have an easier time, but it does not preclude any other sports fan from wagering.
The IPL is now a major global sports league with more in store. Its success is a testament to the organizational skills of the BCCI and India’s embrace of the teams. As international superstars battle for the spoils in this year’s season, crypto gambling enthusiasts can wager on the various games to potentially cash in on the fun.
