Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has expressed strong support for reviving the Champions League T20 but emphasized that expanding the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule should come first. Wadia believes adding more matches to the IPL would not only boost its brand but also shorten the long gap between the IPL season and the auction.

During the previous IPL edition, chairman Arun Dhumal hinted at the possibility of increasing the number of games from 74 to 94 starting in 2028, coinciding with the next media rights cycle.

More IPL matches could boost global exposure

Speaking to PTI, Wadia said, “More games would be prudent for the IPL. We can start with two extra matches for each team. Also, reviving the Champions League would reduce the gap between the IPL and the auction and keep the excitement alive.”

He also welcomed the trend of holding IPL auctions overseas, noting that international exposure in cities like Jeddah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi increases viewership and strengthens the IPL brand globally.

The last edition of the Champions League, held in 2014, featured T20 franchises from around the world. Wadia highlighted that learning from the past could help make a revival successful, comparing it to football’s structure with league games, international matches, and UEFA competitions.

“If you have the Champions League, it complements the IPL and international cricket, forming a good triangle. But definitely, we need more IPL matches first,” he said.

Wadia’s comments come after Punjab Kings reached their first IPL final since 2014 under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting. He added that a bigger IPL window would not only raise the league’s brand value but also enhance its overall appeal, which currently ranks behind the NFL in per-match value but still lags behind the NBA and EPL in total valuation due to its shorter window.

IPL growth will mirror India’s economic rise

Addressing the league’s future brand value, Wadia said, “Of course, the IPL’s value will grow. It’s hard to compare with the NFL, NBA, or EPL because those leagues are decades old and don’t have the same international and domestic obligations as the IPL.”

He noted that India is an emerging market, and disposable income levels will play a key role in the growth of IPL viewership and matchday experiences.

On IPL owners investing in overseas leagues, Wadia remarked that it is a testament to the league’s resounding success and global influence.