My memories on the first IPL are pretty hazy. It was on late at night in Australia, one reason why it may never catch on there. At that time I was working 12-hour days, and then staying up late watching it.
Even though it went on too late, it was fairly well timed for me as I usually finished my work and then got to watch a match. I remember Marsh, Nehra, Watson and Tanvir having a good time while Rajasthan used the power of Warne.
For the second one I was in London, and the time zone was perfect for me. Sometimes I’d even watch both games in a day, but generally I’d just pick one. I remember the dog, FIP, Dirk’s beginning, commentators on a slide, Dilshan’s rebirth, Dravid doing well early and Symonds turning up with a professional hangover and helping Deccan win.
The tournament being in South Africa had little effect on me, other than a Radelaide Oval type effect where the commentators had to keep mentioning how amazing it was that the tournament had been moved late. It was an impressive thing, but saying it every 12 minutes dulls it for me.
My favourite part of the IPL is not the IPL at all; it’s the champion’s league. A tournament with teams from most of the best cricket nations in the world, what is not to like.
There are things that piss me off about the IPL, but there are things that piss me off about test cricket as well. Some of the reasons aren’t even directly the IPL’s fault, like the fact it has no place in the ICC schedule and that players from poorer countries might flee for it.
But the real reason I don’t hate it is because it entertains me.
Not always for the right reasons, but I know that for a month and a half there will be a show on the TV that I can watch.
It won’t always be a great episode.
Sometimes it will feel like a re-run.
I may not like all the characters.
The plot may mean noting to me.
And in a week I might have forgotten what I have seen.
But at the time, I’ll sit down and watch it.
Like I would for Zimbabwe Vs West Indies, except more often.
I can’t hate anything that entertains me, even if it can be shit and annoying some times.
It’s like some emmy nominated American sit com; watch it, and throw it away. Oh, and remember to groan when there is an unnecessary famous cameo.





