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Graeme Smith Reveals How IPL Became a Global Sports Powerhouse

Graeme Smith has declared the IPL one of the world's biggest sports leagues. The former South Africa captain reflected on the tournament's remarkable growth since its early years. He emphasized that a strong local player base has been crucial to IPL's success. Smith also shared his hopes for similar growth in the SA20 league he currently oversees.

Key Points: Graeme Smith Hails IPL as World's Biggest Sports League

  • Smith emphasizes strong local player base as IPL's core strength
  • He recalls winning inaugural IPL trophy with Rajasthan Royals in 2008
  • SA20 commissioner draws parallels between IPL and SA20 growth
  • Highlights importance of cricket product quality for league success
2 min read

IPL is now one of the biggest leagues in the world across all sports: Graeme Smith

Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith praises IPL's growth, calling it one of world's biggest sports leagues while drawing SA20 parallels.

"The IPL is now one of the biggest leagues in the world across all sports. - Graeme Smith"

New Delhi, Nov 19

Graeme Smith, the former South Africa captain currently serving as SA20 League commissioner, has hailed the growth of Indian Premier League (IPL), saying that the ten-team tournament is now one of the biggest leagues in the world across all sports.

In 29 IPL games, Smith amassed 739 runs, including hitting four fifties. Apart from turning out for Pune Warriors in the 2011 season, Smith played for the Rajasthan Royals (RR) under the legendary Shane Warne during the first three seasons of the IPL, including winning the trophy in the inaugural season in 2008.

"I think a lot of people forget the early years of the IPL. There were many things that had to go well for the league to grow the way it did. The IPL is now one of the biggest leagues in the world across all sports. In our first three seasons, we have seen strong growth in many areas at SA20 and hopefully that will continue,” said Smith during the SA20 India Day event.

He further underlined the importance of strengthening the league and nurturing a strong local player base, drawing parallels of SA20 with the early years of the IPL. “The most important thing at the core of everything is always the cricket product. Every year the cricket gets stronger and the local player base keeps growing. That has also been the strength of the IPL.”

“When I think back to 2008, the first season of the IPL when I played for Rajasthan Royals, and then look at how the generation of Indian talent has grown, it shows what a strong local base can do. That is what we want to see at SA20 as well, along with world-class players," he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Smith is spot on about the local player development. Look at players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya - they were IPL discoveries who became world beaters. The league has truly transformed Indian cricket.
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David E
As someone who follows global sports, I can confirm IPL's massive impact. The brand value, viewership numbers, and player salaries compete with top leagues like NBA and Premier League. Incredible growth story!
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Ananya R
While IPL's success is undeniable, I wish they'd focus more on player workload management. Our stars are playing too much cricket and getting injured frequently. Need better rotation policies.
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Vikram M
The 2008 Rajasthan Royals team was magical! Warne's captaincy, Smith's opening, and discovering talents like Yusuf Pathan and Ravindra Jadeja. That season set the template for what IPL could achieve.
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Sarah B
IPL's economic impact is massive - creating jobs, boosting local economies, and putting Indian cricket on the global map. Every city with an IPL team benefits tremendously during the season.

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