A few doubts remain unanswered about the inaugural IBL

There’s opportunity in sight but there are huge challenges to overcome for the inaugural Indian Badminton League

There is a lot of enthusiasm in the air as the Indian Badminton League is going to be inaugurated today. This is a one million dollar event after all.

But many of the fans have got apprehensions about the success of this event. They feel that since Indian shuttlers are still lagging far behind top international players, what gains will the young upcoming Indian shuttlers make?

Also, no individual status or ranking will be achieved from this tournament. In other words, this extravaganza is nothing but a chance to see a few high ranking players playing on the Indian soil.

One cannot fairly compare the IBL with IPL, simply owing to the scale of popularity. Had the Indian squad achieved few silver or gold medals in the World Badminton Championships, the interest of the supporters would have increased manifold.

There are some positives however. Sunil Gavaskar‘s association has boosted the morale of everyone concerned. The popularity of badminton is expected to increase due to this tournament. The players have got an auction price never even imagined before. ESPN has spent a hefty fee to get the broadcasting rights.

However, the reasons for concern are just and valid. The recent poor performance by all Indian shuttlers apart from Sindhu has forced many supporters to think again about the IBL. People are questioning the timing, the decision of holding the event at the first place, as well as profit and loss motives. In other words, we are running a risk of diminishing interest of the supporters.

Also, the interest of owners of franchisees might reduce, as profitability always remains a key issue in the long run. In the absence of sufficient footfall, revenue targets may not be met.

The organisers have to put in extra efforts to ensure the presence of celebrities to attract the young crowd. Also, the legends of the game such as Prakash Padukone, Aparna Popat, Dinesh Khanna and others have got to be associated directly with the event.

The reason for the concern is that badminton is not as popular as cricket. It is not even counted among the mainstream games like football and hockey, which still have popularity among the Indian fans. So on any given scale, if the IBL fails to meet the expectations, it will be a real big blow.

Also, we have got a tendency to follow success. In case the IBL proves a worthwhile achievement, the door for other less popular sports would be opened. By and large it has become crucially important for the organizers to ensure people’s participation at a very large scale, otherwise the exercise might prove fatal.

Still, we hope that star value of Sindhu and Lee Chong Wei will attract the masses. Although Lee is now doubtful for the event, and this might further distract the interest of many followers.

To conclude, I would like to add that although such events help in promoting the sport in an effective manner, but it is the attachment of the masses, which forms a foundation for the success of any event. Many people honestly believe that the doubts popping up are worth considering.