Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has shown concern over the growing influence of Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise owners in cricket tournaments across the league. Saying that some recent developments are not surprising as some reports stated that the GMR group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals, are bidding to acquire the Hampshire County Cricket Club. And, other IPL franchise owners have also expressed interest in The Hundred as well.

In his column for ESPNcricinfo, Chappell wrote: “The shrewd owners are also starting to sign top-rated players to longer contracts and that should be a warning to cricket administrations. The better players could become beholden to an IPL owner rather than their own cricket board. That is when conflict of interest becomes a divisive issue.”

Ian Chappell also blamed cricket administrators for being unable to plan a long-term blueprint for the game a couple of decades ago as well. He also wondered whether the future of cricket is in safe hands with corporates gradually taking over. Notably, all six teams playing in South Africa’s T20 competition have been purchased by IPL franchise owners.

“Most successful business people don’t achieve their prominent positions by being philanthropists. Will sufficient funds be channelled back into the game or will a large proportion end up as shareholder bonuses awarded by rich business conglomerates? Do shrewd business people necessarily make good cricket team owners?” the veteran questioned.

Writing in the same column, Ian Chappell also opened up on cricket administrators’ lack of vision about giving financial security to players
apart from providing them with playing satisfaction as well. Admitting that running the game is a difficult job, the former Australian captain,
however, added in his column: “Cricket’s future needs to be a partnership planned by a combination of players and administrators. If a player chooses not to play long-form cricket that’s their prerogative, but it would be really sad if that choice is not available.”