Latest news with #IPL-style
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
AIFF keen on 10-year approval to run ISL, undecided on relegation
The ISL, which began with eight teams in 2014, was accorded the top league status in 2019 when a roadmap was agreed by all stakeholders Panaji: The All India Football Federation (AIFF) wants to continue with the Indian Super League (ISL) as the country's top-tier league for the next 10 years but has called for discussions on 'matters of promotion and relegation.' The ISL began as an eight-team, two-month, IPL-style tournament in 2014, but was accorded the top league status in 2019 when a roadmap was agreed by all stakeholders. According to the roadmap, promotion was started from the 2022-23 season with the I-League winners -- Punjab FC first and Mohammedan Sporting Club later – qualifying on sporting merit. The organisers have not implemented relegation. In its official proposal to the marketing partners, AIFF has told FSDL, a joint venture between Reliance and Star which runs the top league, they are ready to issue a '10-year sanction to run ISL with a clear calendar window' and provide 'full commercial freedom' to run the league. 'Matter of promotions and relegations from ISL may be discussed, the principles and impact on AFC Roadmap for Indian football may be considered,' states the proposal titled 'Indian Football Landscape', AIFF Vision for the ISL 2026-2035. TOI has a copy of the proposal which also allows the ISL champions to take the top spot in Asian competitions, while the second spot will be reserved for the I-League winners, a change from the existing system that allows the Super Cup champions to represent the country in continental competitions. For the new Master Rights Agreement (MRA) – where AIFF retains all non-ISL rights including national team competitions -- the federation wants the marketing partners or league owners to make an annual solidarity payments to AIFF game development fund of Rs. 50 crore or 10% of the total league revenue in 2026, whichever is higher, with 5% annual increment. According to minutes of the MRA task force meeting, AIFF wants a 'reliable source of revenue to ensure the effective development of youth and grassroots football, as well as the smooth organisation of competitions across the country.' The proposal has not found favour with the marketing partners, who have suggested formation of a new holding company with clubs (60%), FSDL (26%) and AIFF (14%) as the shareholders. 'In the current system, stakeholders lose approximately Rs 500 crore annually and it makes no sense to continue losing big money,' a source who has been tracking the developments told TOI. 'Business as usual will not be sustainable for anyone. It will only put higher demands on sponsors and there won't be return on investment.' Despite the logjam, AIFF remains confident that it can find a solution to the impasse at a time when the country's top-tier league has been kept on hold due to uncertainty over the 15-year MRA which ends on Dec 8. 'The AIFF cannot act right now because the Supreme Court made an observation (on April 26) that the renewal of the Master Rights Agreement should not be done until its order. We are now waiting the SC order, so that the path becomes clear,' said a senior official. AIFF officials said they have been in touch with their marketing partners since Sept 19 last year, when the then secretary general P Anilkumar first sought a meeting with FSDL. In another letter dated Nov 21, the secretary said 'AIFF would like to engage in a constructive dialogue to explore possibilities for extending or renewing the partnership under mutually beneficial terms and help foster a new era of football development, marketing and popularity of the game in India. ' Since then, three meetings have been held this year between high-ranking AIFF and FSDL officials in Delhi and Mumbai.
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Krafton says India profitability less, but growth opportunity huge
New Delhi: Four years into operations in India and 230 million downloads later, Krafton 's average revenue per user from paying users of its cash-cow Battlegrounds Mobile India , among India's most popular mobile games, is less than a third of the global average, a top company executive said. The South Korean video game publisher's India chief executive, Sean Hyunil Sohn , told ET that while India is not as profitable as global markets for the company, Krafton generates sizable revenue from the country compared with other global gaming companies operating in the market. The market is also growing and there is a lot of headroom for growth, he said. The company is now tapping into the growing base of competitive gaming in India to accelerate growth. Krafton is developing an IPL-style eSports franchise league to provide a more stable and consistent format for competitive gaming. According to a Ficci-EY report on the gaming sector released in March 2025, Krafton's BGMI, followed by Garena's Free Fire were the top grossing games of 2024. To spur in-app purchases, and boost revenue, the company lowered the minimum purchase amount for India to about a tenth of the global minimum. The strategy has significantly increased the paying user ratio, as initial small purchases often led to subsequent larger ones, Sohn said. 'India is still less than one-third of the global average in terms of average revenue per paying user. If we look at the average revenue per daily active user including non-paying users, I think it can go down even further because India generally has a lower paying user ratio,' Sohn told ET. The game, however, has remained among the top three in terms of downloads in India, according to Sensor Tower, a provider of data on the digital market. Sohn attributed the performance to Krafton's consistent content reinforcement, such as by adding new content on a bi-weekly cycle and collaborating with global brands, Indian celebrities and events, which he claimed sets the game apart from its competition. Sohn said the IPL-style eSports format is still in the works, with plans expected to be finalised by the second half of the year. The new franchise league will establish formal and legal business obligations and rights between multiple parties, with the aim to attract investors willing to make significant investments in the ecosystem. 'Our eSports structure has been in place for the last three years, but it lacked strict guidelines for team operations and sponsorships. There were a lot of requests from industry peers for a more consistent offering where we can regulate the growth of eSports in a more structured manner. We are now in the stage of getting formal feedback from potential bidders and participants in this league,' Sohn said. 'Maybe in one or two months we will be able to announce how we are proceeding with a more detailed and structured plan,' he added. The executive said the league will help boost revenue across the sector, with revenue-sharing agreements being finalised among stakeholders. 'The general principle is that all participants in the ecosystem will share both financial and operational burdens and share the commercial upsides in a fair manner,' Sohn said. BGMI was born out of a tumultuous period for Krafton. PUBG Mobile, the original title, was among the list of games and apps banned by the Indian government in 2020 after an armed conflict between China and India, following fears of sensitive data getting across the border. After a prolonged absence, Krafton localised the game for the India market, launching it as BGMI. Four years down the line, the perception of the game has shifted to being positive and is now recognised as mainstream entertainment that provides career opportunities. 'The initial controversies surrounding BGMI's launch, including concerns about data privacy, is a natural phase of gaming becoming mainstream in any country. But gaming apps generally collect less sensitive information compared to social media platforms,' Sohn said. The Indian government now officially encourages and promotes the gaming industry, viewing it as a significant opportunity for quality jobs, GDP growth and export of services, he said. 'Interactions with the government are now more focused on future opportunities, productive industry growth, and talent pool development.'
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Krafton says India profitability less, but growth opportunity huge
New Delhi: Four years into operations in India and 230 million downloads later, Krafton 's average revenue per user from paying users of its cash-cow Battlegrounds Mobile India , among India's most popular mobile games, is less than a third of the global average, a top company executive said. The South Korean video game publisher's India chief executive, Sean Hyunil Sohn, told ET that while India is not as profitable as global markets for the company, Krafton generates sizable revenue from the country compared with other global gaming companies operating in the market. The market is also growing and there is a lot of headroom for growth, he said. The company is now tapping into the growing base of competitive gaming in India to accelerate growth. Krafton is developing an IPL-style eSports franchise league to provide a more stable and consistent format for competitive gaming. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Write Better, Work Smarter With This Desktop App Grammarly Install Now Undo According to a Ficci-EY report on the gaming sector released in March 2025, Krafton's BGMI, followed by Garena's Free Fire were the top grossing games of 2024. To spur in-app purchases, and boost revenue, the company lowered the minimum purchase amount for India to about a tenth of the global minimum. The strategy has significantly increased the paying user ratio, as initial small purchases often led to subsequent larger ones, Sohn said. Live Events 'India is still less than one-third of the global average in terms of average revenue per paying user. If we look at the average revenue per daily active user including non-paying users, I think it can go down even further because India generally has a lower paying user ratio,' Sohn told ET. The game, however, has remained among the top three in terms of downloads in India, according to Sensor Tower, a provider of data on the digital market. Sohn attributed the performance to Krafton's consistent content reinforcement, such as by adding new content on a bi-weekly cycle and collaborating with global brands, Indian celebrities and events, which he claimed sets the game apart from its competition. Sohn said the IPL-style eSports format is still in the works, with plans expected to be finalised by the second half of the year. The new franchise league will establish formal and legal business obligations and rights between multiple parties, with the aim to attract investors willing to make significant investments in the ecosystem. 'Our eSports structure has been in place for the last three years, but it lacked strict guidelines for team operations and sponsorships. There were a lot of requests from industry peers for a more consistent offering where we can regulate the growth of eSports in a more structured manner. We are now in the stage of getting formal feedback from potential bidders and participants in this league,' Sohn said. 'Maybe in one or two months we will be able to announce how we are proceeding with a more detailed and structured plan,' he added. The executive said the league will help boost revenue across the sector, with revenue-sharing agreements being finalised among stakeholders. 'The general principle is that all participants in the ecosystem will share both financial and operational burdens and share the commercial upsides in a fair manner,' Sohn said. BGMI was born out of a tumultuous period for Krafton. PUBG Mobile, the original title, was among the list of games and apps banned by the Indian government in 2020 after an armed conflict between China and India, following fears of sensitive data getting across the border. After a prolonged absence, Krafton localised the game for the India market, launching it as BGMI. Four years down the line, the perception of the game has shifted to being positive and is now recognised as mainstream entertainment that provides career opportunities. 'The initial controversies surrounding BGMI's launch, including concerns about data privacy, is a natural phase of gaming becoming mainstream in any country. But gaming apps generally collect less sensitive information compared to social media platforms,' Sohn said. The Indian government now officially encourages and promotes the gaming industry, viewing it as a significant opportunity for quality jobs, GDP growth and export of services, he said. 'Interactions with the government are now more focused on future opportunities, productive industry growth, and talent pool development.'
Hindustan Times
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Vaibhav Suryavanshi bows out to fiery send-off by England pacer as youngster impresses with whirlwind blitz
Left-handed batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 14, continues to go from strength to strength as the southpaw batter put on a brute hitting masterclass in the 2nd Youth ODI between India U19 and England U19 in Northampton on Monday. The youngster scored 45 runs off 34 balls after India were asked to bat first by England captain Thomas Rew. India U119 vs England U19: Left-handed batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi was given a fiery send-off by home pacer Jack Home. (Screengrab - ECB) Suryavanshi scored 45 runs with the help of 5 fours and three sixes. He threatened to take the game away from the hosts. However, he was left disappointed in the 11th over as pacer Jack Home cut short his innings. The left-handed batter was left dejected upon being dismissed. The young English pacer also rubbed it in as he gave Suryavanshi a fiery send-off, asking him to go back to the dressing room. Home's reaction was understandable, provided the southpaw batter took him to the cleaners. In the eight balls he faced, Suryavanshi scored 18 runs. However, the England pacer had the last laugh, as he ended up taking the wicket of the Indian opener. Suryavanshi helped revive India's innings alongside No.3 batter Vihaan Malhotra after the visitors lost their skipper Ayush Mhatre in the opening over of the contest. The right-handed batter lost his wicket on the very first ball he faced. Also Read: Vaibhav Suryavanshi dons famous jersey No.18, unleashes IPL-style carnage Mhatre walked back to the dressing room after his stumps were rattled by AM French's delivery. Suryavanshi impresses in 1st ODI Suryavanshi also impressed everyone with his knock in the first youth ODI, scoring 48 runs off just 19 balls. His attacking intent up top helped India chase down 175 comprehensively. His innings was boosted by three fours and five sixes in the first ODI before he was dismissed by Ralphie Albert. The left-handed batter became a household name when he represented the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season. He even scored a century against the Gujarat Titans, registering the fastest-ever century by an Indian in the T20 tournament. In the IPL 2025 season, Suryavanshi scored 252 runs in seven matches at an average of 36 and strike rate of 206.55. His highest score was 101 against Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans. Before the IPL, Suryavanshi also represented India in the U19 Asia Cup.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MP equine deaths blow lid off plan for IPL-style horse races
HYDERABAD: The eight race horses that died allegedly due to malnutrition in Jabalpur recently were trained in Hyderabad to participate in an IPL-style horse racing league - Horse Power Sports League (HPSL) - sources said. According to them, these were among approximately 100 animals owned and trained by HithaNet India Pvt Ltd that participated in trials conducted earlier this year. The league, conceptualised by Hyderabad-based technocrat Suresh Paladugu, was supposed to be held across multiple cities in India, with support from various race clubs. Speaking to TOI, Paladugu, while denying any direct connection to the Jabalpur incident, said that pilots of the league were telecast at different locations across the globe, including the Philippines. "The idea was to move horse racing from betting-style to entertainment style like IPL," Paladugu said, adding that he approached Hyderabad Racing Club (HRC) for a stable and track for the league. "I don't own any of the horses. They are owned, fed, and taken care of by HithaNet. My responsibility is limited to providing technical, streaming support and deal with clubs," he said. Sources said HithaNet decided to shift its horses to Jabalpur since the league is on hold. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "Paladugu's concept couldn't attract any major sponsors. He wanted to telecast two-horse races, which would be easy to understand even for a layman, and turn it into a profitable business. That way, it could benefit local breed horses as well," said a source. While confirming this, HithaNet officials said they chose Jabalpur because the firm has other businesses, such as farming, there. "Also, our lease with HRC had ended, so we needed a different place to keep our horses," said Pavani Gaddam, authorised signatory of the company, maintaining that all the animals were in "good health" at the time of being shifted. "We transported the horses by road and followed all due processes," she added. When asked if the horses will be brought back to Hyderabad if HPSL is launched, she said there is no decision on it. "It is not necessary that the horses are used only for racing. They can be used for breeding, polo, movies, etc. We can also sell them," Gaddam said.
