The credibility and the overall valuation of the much popular T20 league will take a hit, sports and management firms maintain.
Shailendra Singh, Joint MD, Percept Ltd, said that the league has been severely wounded and officials from the BCCI need to stand up and address the issues to maintain its credibility. “But, IPL is a demand of the consumers and as long as it provides entertainment, it will be watched,” he added.
While the IPL Governing Council may get in two new teams, it remains to be seen when the two suspended teams will come back into the IPL fold after two years.
IPL, which started with eight teams, went to 10 with the addition of Kochi Tuskers and Pune Warriors.
It came down to eight again, and will be left with six after the ban.
Another industry player pointed out that Multi Screen Media’s broadcast rights contract for IPL is slated to run out within the next two years.
It remains to be seen how this verdict will impact future broadcast rights valuations.
Indranil Das Blah, Partner at celebrity and sports management firm CAA-Kwan, said that the league is expected to see an adverse impact on sponsorships and valuations.
“The next two years are definitely going to be tough for the league. But, the committee is also expected to make recommendations on the functioning of the BCCI later, which may help restore some credibility,” he added.