Airtel Champions League Twenty20

The Champions League 20-20 known as ‘The CLT20’ is a brainchild of the suspended IPL commissioner Lalit Modi. IPL achieved grandeur success by the pronounced response from the cricket fans across the world. The CLT20 is a combat between the best T20 domestic teams of the world. Featuring the top notch 10 teams from 6 countries this season this contest which will last for two weeks with fun-filled 23 matches back to back has to be a splendid event with lots of excitement.

But, more than being an eye-candy for the spectators it is a great platform for the budding talents to showcase themselves across the globe. The event is telecasted across the whole world. So, performing in front of such huge audience at a grand world stage featuring majestic players like Tendulkar, Dhoni, Muralidharan and many more is like a dream come true for a rookie domestic. And, the experience of combating with the best teams possessing these magnificent players is also a great opportunity for the domestic players. The domestic players get exposed to the international podium and experience the pressure and intensity on the field at this level of cricket.

Moreover, close encounters to last ball deciders or a superover determining the winner all get ensured inevitably due to the nature of the format and equal competence of the teams. It is also natural that the players show virtuous character and strength to attempt to pullover games home for their side. It is an opportunity of a lifetime. So, the spectators are ensured dazzling entertainment with fireworks in batting and quality bowling to rattle the opposition.

This competition is an inordinate way of doing an abundant business accompanied with creating a nationwide unity! The IPL served the pockets of all businessmen involved. But, it’s quite true that it also creates a nationwide divide! There are spats between two different state people due to the state-wise matches. And, now IPL has even come down to creating a city split by creating two teams as Pune and Mumbai from the same state Maharashtra! The CLT20 helps in reclaiming the patriotic feeling to some extent atleast. It unites the nation with the public raising their arms to cheer for a team of their country.

Albeit the thrilling encounters the CLT20 has not been able to influence public. It has not been able to generate the same buzz as the IPL! The first season saw matches happening in vacant stadiums in India. The second season which shifted to South Africa due to heavy rains has seen a rise in the TAM ratings by 44 per cent. But, then too it seems that this will not serve the official broadcaster ESPN and may lead to renegotiating the 10 years long deal. It might be the lack of hype which maybe hampering the tournament. Or it can be that average fans in India (which is the major customer) don’t get excited by a TV clash between the Chevrolet Warriors and the Wayamba Elevens!

By: Chintan Zalani

Tags: Champions League, CLT20, Cricket, IPL, Sports, T20, T20 Cricket, Titans, Twenty20, Twenty20 Cricket