What lessons can be learnt from the IPL? How come the league has become such a big hit, and how can we duplicate it’s success? That seems to be the thing on the minds of several cricket and other sports leagues all over the world as they watch the events unfold in India’s biggest sporting extravaganza!

To be fair, a lot of innovation has gone into a game that is already haloed by this cricket crazy nation. But not only is it a big hit in India, all the world’s cricket players are clamoring to get a piece of the action. No doubt  that financial pundits all over the world are studying Lalit Modi’s magic trick and how he pulled out $1 Billion out of thin air. Never before has a sporting event generated so much hype, hoopla and anticipation in this country. By bringing Bollywood, Cricket and Big Money - Three of modern India’s favorite things, the IPL promises to be a really big deal indeed!

How things have changed over the last 25 years! There was a time when India was nowhere on the map and the entire world would think of us as a poor third world country. But today, accusations are flying all over the place that the Indians are using their money muscle to get their way - From BCCI’s financial prowess to Tata’s attempt to buy Jaguar. And the IPL has shown it again by running a massively rich tournament. This is the real victory for India.