The Indian Premier League is expecting even higher returns in the years ahead after striking a bumper $2.55 billion broadcast deal to become one of the world's richest sports competitions.
IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla believes there is plenty more growth to come for the glitzy Twenty20 cricket league, whose heady success comes despite its history of corruption scandals.
This week Rupert Murdoch's Star India beat rival bids from Facebook, Sony and India's Airtel to land the IPL's TV and digital rights over five years from 2018.
The deal, a four-fold increase after Sony paid $1.2 billion for broadcast rights over 10 years in 2008, puts the IPL on a similar level to football's English Premier League, a bellwether for global sports marketing.
The eight-week IPL's 60 games are now valued at roughly $8.5 million each, not far off the estimated $9.6 million per Premier League match -- and well over the $6.2 million price tag attached to home internationals in India.
Shukla said he wasn't surprised at the IPL's new earning power, which is tipped to have a wide-ranging impact on cricket, much as Kerry Packer's renegade World Series Cricket of the 1970s ushered in a new era for the sport.
"Every year IPL is growing in terms of reach, in terms of value and impact. In 10 years it has gone up manyfold and I hope in future also the enhancement will keep on happening," Shukla said.
"Since the value of property has seen signficant gains with each passing year so in future also it will keep on increasing," he added.
The IPL has spawned copycat leagues in Australia, Pakistan and elsewhere, and has already swelled the bank accounts of scores of players, making domestic T20 a lucrative alternative to the international game.
- 'Game-changer' -
India captain Virat Kohli was the best-paid player at this year's IPL, earning $2.26 million with Royal Challengers Bangalore, while the most expensive foreigner was England's Ben Stokes on $2.16 million.
Earning hundreds of thousands of dollars a week -- albeit for only two months -- is usually the preserve of footballers and NBA players, but IPL cricketers can expect a step-change in their wages next year.
"It's a game-changer, not only in Indian cricket but world cricket. The kind of money that's generated in India through cricket is enormous," former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin told AFP.
"You never know what's in store. If you compare it to EPL then an IPL player's worth can be even more in coming years. The bar is raised and I am all for players making money," he added.
Many critics are concerned the growing sums on offer will have a negative impact on international cricket, as players prioritise earning money over representing their countries.
But Delhi Daredevils spinner Shahbaz Nadeem, as yet uncapped by India, said international cricket remained the pinnacle for players.
"Money is no doubt a factor in IPL but the ultimate goal is to represent your country. Yes, IPL can act as a good launchpad for showcasing your talent," the 28-year-old said.
The IPL, which is broadcast around the world, is hugely popular for its mix of sport and showbiz, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood stars.
It is the brainchild of Indian cricket administrator Lalit Modi, who is now in Britain and refusing to return to his home country to face corruption charges.
The IPL was also hit by a spot-fixing scandal in 2013 which led to the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals being suspended for two seasons in 2015.
But the IPL has thrived regardless, and has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi.
Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. (Photo: c
CAPTAIN Litton Das scored 59 to guide Bangladesh to a seven-wicket win over Hong Kong in their opening Asia Cup match on Thursday.
Invited to bat first in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong made 143-7 with Nizakat Khan top-scoring on 42.
Bangladesh lost two early wickets in their chase, but Litton built a 95-run stand with Towhid Hridoy, who remained unbeaten on 35, to take the team to 144-3 in 17.4 overs. Litton reached his half-century in 33 balls before being dismissed by medium-pacer Ateeq Iqbal. Towhid then hit the winning run.
"Very important to win the first game," said Litton, who was named player of the match. "Last couple of series, we have played good cricket. But in Asia Cup, little bit of pressure comes automatically."
This was Bangladesh’s first T20 win over Hong Kong, who had beaten them in their only previous meeting in 2014.
Hong Kong suffered their second loss in Group B, which also features Afghanistan and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan beat Hong Kong by 94 runs in the tournament opener.
In their innings, Hong Kong lost two quick wickets before Nizakat added 41 with Zeeshan Ali, who made 30. He then put on 46 with captain Yasim Murtaza, who scored 28 off 19 balls. Murtaza was run out and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain struck twice in the next over, including Nizakat’s wicket.
"I am happy with the way our batters scored," said Murtaza. "But I will be happier if we got 160-170 plus -- that would be a different total."
Tanzim Hasan Sakib impressed with 2-21 in four overs, while Taskin Ahmed and Rishad also claimed two wickets each.
Bangladesh slipped to 47-2 in reply but Litton and Towhid steadied the chase.
Pakistan face Oman on Friday in Dubai. The Asia Cup is also a build-up to the T20 World Cup scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February-March.
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Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.
KULDEEP YADAV took 4-7 as India began their Asia Cup campaign with a nine-wicket win over hosts United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday.
Kuldeep picked three wickets in one over with his left-arm wrist spin as India bowled out UAE for 57 in 13.1 overs after choosing to field.
India chased down the target in 4.3 overs. Left-handed opener Abhishek Sharma hit 30 off 16 balls, while vice-captain Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 20.
The bowlers set up the win for India, with medium-pacer Shivam Dube taking three wickets before Kuldeep finished the innings.
"Clinical performance from the boys," captain Suryakumar Yadav said. "Wanted good energy and attitude in the field and that carried over into the batting."
UAE opener Alishan Sharafu scored 22 off 17 balls before falling to Jasprit Bumrah. Captain Muhammad Waseem made 19 and was the only other batter to reach double figures.
Kuldeep dismissed Waseem in his second over, claiming three wickets in total in that spell. He was named player of the match and said it was the "perfect" return in his first T20 outing for India since the World Cup win in Barbados last year.
Chasing 58, world number one T20 batter Sharma attacked spinner Haider Ali for a six and a four, hitting two more sixes before being dismissed by Junaid Siddique. Gill completed the win with a boundary, while Suryakumar remained unbeaten on seven.
"We can say that they (India) are a brilliant team and are bowling really well," Waseem said. "They executed their plan for every batter. That is why they are the number one team. As a team, we have to come back stronger and we have to learn from these mistakes."
India, who won the last Asia Cup in the 50-over format in 2023, will next play Pakistan on Sunday.
(With inputs from agencies)
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England manager Thomas Tuchel gives instructions to England's Djed Spence before he comes on as a substitute.
TOTTENHAM Hotspur defender Djed Spence made his England debut on Tuesday, becoming the first Muslim to play for the national team.
The 25-year-old came on as a substitute in the 69th minute, replacing Chelsea’s Reece James during England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win in Belgrade.
"I was surprised because I didn't know I was the first, so it's a blessing," Spence, who was born in London, said after the match.
"It's good to make history and hopefully inspire young kids around the world that they can make it as well. They can do what I am doing."
Spence’s debut was described as a significant moment for British Muslims, who remain under-represented in professional football despite making up 6 per cent of the UK population.
"It's a moment of celebration for British Muslims," said Ebadur Rahman, founder of Nujum Sports, an organisation that supports more than 400 Muslim athletes.
"Djed has big responsibility on his shoulders - not only is he playing for England, he is playing for Muslims around the world because he is now a role model breaking a barrier."
Spence started his career at Middlesbrough before moving to Tottenham in 2022. After loans to other clubs, he became a regular in the squad and featured in their Europa League final win last season.
His selection for England is being seen as a breakthrough for Muslim players in the country.
"We just haven't had the Muslim players coming through," said Yunus Lunat, grassroots coach and former chair of the FA's race equality advisory board.
"Muslims haven't had enough opportunities or enough role models for young, aspiring players to follow. It's not particularly good that it's taken until 2025 for a Muslim to play for England."
Spence said the moment carried deep meaning for him.
"Whatever religion you believe in, just believe in God," he said.
"Days like today are special because of God, for me. I was a little bit emotional because the journey hasn't been easy. But I am officially an England player now and I am over the moon."
(With inputs from Reuters)
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Indian team during a practice session at the International Cricket Council Academy (ICCA) in Dubai on September 8, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enter as clear favourites with strong squad depth.
Pakistan drop Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, signalling a new phase.
Afghanistan’s spin trio seen as potential challengers to India’s dominance.
Associate nations like UAE, Oman and Hong Kong aim to showcase progress.
INDIA, led by Suryakumar Yadav, go into the Asia Cup T20 starting Tuesday as the clear favourites, with a significant gap in strength between them and the seven other teams, including Pakistan.
The tournament begins with Afghanistan facing Hong Kong in Abu Dhabi, but attention will be on Dubai, where India open against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday.
The Asia Cup has often served as preparation for the T20 World Cup, but this edition comes with a sense of inevitability.
India carry the weight of expectations, not just for their past record, but also because the balance of power appears firmly in their favour. With strong leadership and squad depth, this is seen as India’s tournament to lose.
Chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir showed confidence in their squad by naming 15 players, despite being allowed 17 by the Asian Cricket Council. This left out players like Shreyas Iyer and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Winning the Asia Cup for the ninth time (seven in ODIs and once in T20 in 2016) would not add extra credit for Suryakumar or Gambhir, but falling short would bring criticism, especially with the T20 World Cup just over four months away.
India are expected to play around 20 games, including the Asia Cup, before the global event. Settling on the right core combination will be a key objective.
The BCCI has the resources to field multiple competitive T20 teams. Suryakumar has led with an 80% win record, while Shubman Gill, named vice-captain, is expected to take over in the future. The alignment between the T20 and Test captains will be watched closely.
India’s batting, shaped by IPL experience, has redefined T20 cricket. Pakistan and Sri Lanka, once level with India, have found it harder to keep pace.
Who can challenge India?
The main question around this Asia Cup is not who will win, but who can stop India.
Pakistan, under Salman Ali Agha, have dropped Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan, signalling a shift. Their performance will depend on how Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Hasan Ali perform against India’s batting. Pakistan recently beat Afghanistan in a tri-series final, with their spinners dominating on a slow Sharjah pitch.
Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, have potential but face questions about consistency across a full tournament. Bangladesh remain unpredictable and may lack the strength to sustain a long run. In Group B, they are seen as likely to join Hong Kong in early elimination.
Afghanistan stand out as the possible challengers, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed and A Ghazanfar leading a strong spin attack, and an improved batting line-up.
The associate teams
For teams like UAE, Oman and Hong Kong, this tournament is a chance to test themselves against top opposition and showcase their progress. Oman’s deputy head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni told PTI that while there will be nervousness, matches against India and Pakistan are an opportunity to perform in front of larger audiences.
India will face 12 NRIs in the group stage—six from UAE and six from Oman. These associate nations have improved their infrastructure and attracted better expat players from India and Pakistan in recent years.
Facing Suryakumar Yadav or Jasprit Bumrah will be a rare challenge for these sides.
For now, the Asia Cup carries one clear theme: it is India’s tournament to lose.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Alcaraz has now won seven of the last eight meetings with Sinner, leading their rivalry 10-5 overall.
CARLOS ALCARAZ defeated Jannik Sinner in four sets on Sunday to win the US Open final, which was delayed by the arrival of President Donald Trump.
Alcaraz, 22, won 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to claim his second US Open title and sixth Grand Slam overall. The Spaniard avenged his loss to Sinner in the Wimbledon final in July, which was his only defeat in a major final.
"It's a great feeling. I'm working really hard just to lift this trophy. It's my second one but it's still a dream come true," said Alcaraz.
With the win, Alcaraz will return to world number one on Monday, ending Sinner’s 27-match winning streak at hard-court Grand Slams. He last held the top spot in September 2023.
"It was one of the first goals that I had, to recover the number one (ranking)," said Alcaraz, who had also beaten Sinner in the French Open final in June.
Alcaraz has now won seven of the last eight meetings with Sinner, leading their rivalry 10-5 overall.
"I tried my best today. I couldn't do more," said Sinner. "I felt like he was doing everything slightly better today. He raised his level when he had to... He played better than me today."
The two have won the past eight Grand Slams between them, four each, establishing their dominance over the rest of the field, including Novak Djokovic.
But while Sinner has gone 109-4 against other players on tour over the past two seasons, Alcaraz continues to hold the upper hand in their rivalry.
"It's going to be on me if I want to make changes or not," said Sinner. "That's what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player."
Sinner’s defeat extends the longest streak in the Open era without a successful men’s title defence at a Grand Slam. No player has retained the US Open men’s title since Roger Federer won five in a row from 2004 to 2008.
The match was the third consecutive Grand Slam final between Alcaraz and Sinner and was further highlighted by Trump’s presence. The US President, who had also attended the Super Bowl in February and the FIFA Club World Cup final in July, appeared before the national anthem and was met with mixed reactions from the crowd.
Security arrangements for Trump’s attendance delayed the start of the match by 30 minutes, leaving Arthur Ashe Stadium only three-quarters full when play began.
Alcaraz broke Sinner in the opening game and took the first set 6-2. Sinner recovered in the second, going 3-1 up and levelling the match. But Alcaraz regained control in the third set with two breaks and carried the momentum into the fourth.
Although Sinner saved two break points early in the fourth set, Alcaraz broke in the fifth game and held on to close the match. The win made him only the fourth man to win multiple majors on hard courts, grass, and clay.
A number of celebrities attended the final, including Bruce Springsteen, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Douglas, and Stephen Curry.