The Kerala Cricket League (KCL) is set to revolutionize the cricketing landscape in Kerala, offering a platform for young players to showcase their talents and explore new opportunities. Organized by the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA), this franchise-based professional T20 cricket tournament is highly anticipated and expected to have a significant economic impact on the sports sector in the state.
The KCL will take place at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram from September 2 to 18, featuring six teams with a total of 114 players, including six icon players. The player auction saw franchises spending around Rs 34 lakh on each player, with the icon players receiving an additional 10% of the team’s costliest buy. This has led to each franchise investing over Rs 40 lakh in building their teams.
The league will span over 19 days, including two reserve days, with a total of 33 matches to be played. Two matches will be held each day during the league and semifinal phases, providing an action-packed schedule for cricket enthusiasts. The teams have already begun their preparations for the tournament, gearing up for the competition ahead.
Modeled after the Indian Premier League, the KCL will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1 channel and the digital streaming application Fancode. The entry for all matches is free, allowing fans to witness the excitement of T20 cricket firsthand.
From an economic standpoint, the KCL is expected to generate substantial revenue for the KCA, with an estimated franchise fee of around Rs 14 crore per year. The franchisees were selected through a competitive tender process, with four franchises acquired for Rs 2.5 crore each and the remaining two for Rs 2.01 crore each. The franchise tenure is set for 10 years, ensuring a long-term commitment to the league.
In terms of revenue sharing, the franchisees will receive a share of the advertising revenue from official broadcasters and sponsorships. With an average of 2,400 seconds of advertising per game, the revenue will be split between Star Sports, broadcast producer Twenty First Century Media Private Limited, the teams playing in a match, and the KCA. This revenue-sharing model extends throughout the tournament, including the league phase, semifinals, and final, providing a steady stream of income for the franchisees.
Overall, the Kerala Cricket League promises to be a game-changer for cricket in Kerala, offering a competitive platform for players, exciting matches for fans, and a lucrative opportunity for franchisees to invest in the future of the sport. With its blend of talent, entertainment, and economic potential, the KCL is poised to make a lasting impact on the cricketing landscape in the state.