INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) remains one of the most lucrative tournaments in world cricket, but the competition still has scope to improve in areas related to players’ rights and welfare, according to an assessment by the World Cricketers’ Association (WCA).
In the WCA’s latest league rankings, the IPL scored 62.6 points, placing third among 10 global T20 competitions. England’s The Hundred topped the list with 75.2 points, followed by South Africa’s SA20 with a score of 68. Additionally, Big Bash League ranked 4th with 62.5 and Pakistan Super League at 5th with 48.
The world’s richest T20 tournament received the highest marks for average player payments and reliability of payments. However, the report indicated that the league scored lower in areas such as the right to organise and mechanisms for dispute resolution.
Tom Moffat, chief executive of the WCA, said in a statement that while the rapid expansion of domestic franchise leagues has benefited the sport, maintaining strong protections for players remains essential.
“The growth of the domestic leagues landscape has been overwhelmingly positive for our sport, but it has the potential to be even better. We want all sanctioned leagues to be successful, and to provide fair protections and standards for people within them,” he said.
The IPL also faced criticism earlier this year when Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders amid tensions between India and Bangladesh. Additionally, the policy of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which restricts contracted male players from participating in overseas franchise leagues, has also drawn criticism.
The 19th edition of the IPL is set to begin on 28 March, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
