Eighteen & unstoppable: IPL's rise from experiment to empire

Seventeen years is a long time; the ones born in 2008 are now stepping out of their adolescence, ready to embrace adulthood; in fact, it's one-third or one-fourth of the lifespan of an average human being. During this period, the world coped with numerous challenges like recession, conflicts, Covid pandemic, and adapted to new normals amidst multiple changes, but the one that has remained a constant is the Indian Premier League that kickstarts its 18th season with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders locking horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Eden Gardens, in Kolkata on Saturday.

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

What began as a bold experiment has evolved into an unstoppable force that has reshaped cricket's identity. Even its staunchest critics have been swept away by its charm. For a league that has always been ahead of its time, turning 18 feels almost ceremonial.

The tournament has long played the role of the disruptor, rewriting cricket's traditions, redefining its audience and setting new benchmarks for entertainment. It has restructured the global cricketing calendar, commanding a presence so dominant that international schedules bow in deference.