Don't think players will only play for the money: Sourav Ganguly

BCCI boss Sourav Ganguly talks to TOI about the IPL mega deal, the T20 WC, plans for domestic cricket & much more...NEW DELHI: As the Indian cricket board (BCCI) exults post the mega IPL media rights deal, a lot of the attention has shifted to the impact it could have on Indian and international cricket. A day after the windfall, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly spoke to TOI on a range of issues. Excerpts...How do you see this mega deal impacting Indian cricket?This is a big opportunity to further strengthen Indian cricket. This will help the BCCI create even stronger infrastructure. The money needs to go to the grassroots. This also allows the board to raise the player fees across age groups and genders. The priority is to increase the salaries of women cricketers. We have already doubled the domestic match fees and the players will start to benefit from that from this season. And I also believe this will get more kids to take up cricket, as it has become a proper career option.

Read AlsoIt's a deal! - Everything you need to know about final IPL media rights figures

Disney Star, Viacom18 and Times Internet bagged the various rights to broadcast IPL matches over the next 5 seasons on TV and digital platforms. The total revenue which will be generated over the next 5 years thanks to the sale of these broadcast rights for 2023-2027 is a staggering Rs 48,390.50

Was there any apprehension that the pandemic could have an adverse effect on the media rights deal?We never had any doubts. The planning for the media rights started two years ago. It was meticulously done. It has been a great year for Indian cricket so far. We have completed the domestic season, have got packed houses back in stadiums, the IPL was wonderfully conducted