IPL Support Demographics

[Flem274*]

Was reading the IPL thread on another Australian based website and what struck me was half the place was surprised it was started and the other half seemed quite keen on it.

Well, half is a bit generous, about a quarter were really keen on the IPL.

I know it is an Indian competition aimed largely at the Indian population, but the IPL does seem very keen to expand the popularity beyond India judging by TV rights etc. I'm interested to know, a few years on from when it started, how successful it has been in spreading in popularity like the European football championships, NFL etc.

I'm also keen to see how it compares with the Champions League.

 

[GotSpin]

I have quite a few cricket mates and no one could give a **** really -

 

[Jono]

It will be hurt here in Australia with it not being shown on TV this year.

Was the perfect thing to watch at night just before bed.

 

[keeper]

Seen one or two replica shirts round the clubs worn by teenagers. Never heard anyone talk about it in cricketing circles or otherwise, unless it is in reference to motivation and fitness of certain England players.

 

[Flem274*]

Damn, one thing I forgot to add was do you take an interest in your domestic 20/20 competition?

Personally, I follow the Champions League despite my dislike for certain aspects of it (****ing CSK and Rosco). Watching Adam Milne rough up that pack of yarpies in that one over was one of my favourite sporting moments last year, and Jamie How's heroics still help me forgive his international failures somewhat. Michael Mason's bowling was heartwarming as well; the old bugger still has it.

Despite the abundance of NZers in the IPL though, I'm not a follower. I couldn't tell you any IPL stats. All I know about it is McCullum hit a century in the first game, Kolkata are rubbish, CSK are very good, and Southee had a good game last night.

 

[Goughy]

I think I may have watched a game in season 1 but nothing since. Can't imagine a circumstance when watching an IPL game would be the most interesting available to do.

I have nothing against it, just zero interest.

 

[kingkallis]

Enjoy watching both as its the perfect entertainment for the evening.

 

[vcs]

Excellent poll, very exhaustive set of options. I follow it just to laugh at teams and owners that I dislike. Very much of the point of view that it (and CLT20) is rubbish.

 

[Mike5181]

Are they even showing it on tv in NZ Flem? I don't think people here are particularly interested in the competition itself more just individual players. For example i don't have a IPL team that i follow but i have interest in New Zealand players and Lee, RTD, Steyn etc. I think more people in NZ care that Sonny Bill Williams just scored another try in the Crusaders rugby game.

A thing i think that detracts the interest of many pure cricket fans is the statistics. People love the stats element of cricket and watching people mold their careers. I think this is missing in this form of the game to be honest. Who honestly cares that someone has 1000 runs from bashing etc. The other thing would be the overseas quota thing. I mean i know domestically people might know a lot of the Indian players but most other people don't nor do we care. I guess that stops it from becoming a truly global sort of competition.

 

[biased indian]

IPL is here to stay and its big hit among the local people..but doubt whether it will make big impression out side of India..may be it will generate interest in SL with a lot of guys involved

i have one doubt say in countries like England.Germany and Italy do the locals follow the league of other countries with great interest will like to see some facts about them

 

[Borges]

Voted for 'I am Indian and I think the IPL and the Champions League are rubbish'; that was the closest available.

But, that I think it is rubbish does not mean I never watch them; I do turn to the TV channel on occasions. And if a favourite of mine is in action, for instance Mahela happens to be batting or is due next at the crease, or Brett Lee is bowling, I do keep watching it for a while.

Same as English county cricket or (of late) Aussie Sheffield Shield, I guess.I think they are absolute rubbish, but I do watch them once in a while.

 

[four_or_six]

Now and again people chat about IPL. I think having it on free-to-air TV helps.

I've never heard anyone mention the champions league, and I've never watched it. But then again, it's nothing to do with us anyway.

 

[KiWiNiNjA]

Catch a game here and there, but only by accident.

 

[silentstriker]

There has to be some actual data on viewership rather than this poll which is certainly not a representative sample....

 

[silentstriker]

Found this for the UK...maybe someone can dig up exact stats?

IPL devours British TV ratings

I don't know about Australia and other countries.

 

[Flem274*]

Yeah, well I'm doing stats exercises properly over Massey eBook, and I've decided this crapstatz is much more interesting.

But yeah this is a test match biased forum, but I'd much rather do it here than go to Planet Cricket.

 

[wellAlbidarned]

Watch it occaisionally when I'm craving some cricket and there's absolutely nothing else, find the mix of internationals and lesser known indian blokes interesting. Don't keep track of it at all though, it's always by accident that I end up on at the right time to watch it.

 

[marc71178]

Watched some of it last year as it was on FTA - the general standard being pretty poor means I won't watch it unless there's nothing else on.

 

[Somerset]

Damn, one thing I forgot to add was do you take an interest in your domestic 20/20 competition?

Personally, I follow the Champions League despite my dislike for certain aspects of it (****ing CSK and Rosco). Watching Adam Milne rough up that pack of yarpies in that one over was one of my favourite sporting moments last year, and Jamie How's heroics still help me forgive his international failures somewhat. Michael Mason's bowling was heartwarming as well; the old bugger still has it.

Despite the abundance of NZers in the IPL though, I'm not a follower. I couldn't tell you any IPL stats. All I know about it is McCullum hit a century in the first game, Kolkata are rubbish, CSK are very good, and Southee had a good game last night.

I took a really strong interest in this year's domestic 20-20 HRV cup competition, was excellent that Sky was committed to broadcasting so many of the matches live. I would've watched the matches regardless of the influx of internationals but those additions undoubtedly raised the standard.

As for the IPL, I certainly don't take quite so much interest but I'm keen to see how the New Zealand players perform and the key moments of the tournament in highlights packages, but can't really sit through countless group matches. It seems Sky has made that decision whether to watch IPL 2011 a little easier though, given they've not bought the rights to show the competition this year (money can be the only thing I can put that down to).

 

[Furball]

Voted that I follow IPL, and by follow I mean that I generally have a rough idea of what's been happening and might watch a game if I have nothing better to do.

Same with County Cricket, I'll watch games if I'm free and not doing anything else.