Is IPL Scripted?

The IPL 2023 final ended only hours ago. I have been following IPL for many years now (I believe 12), and this year’s IPL has been the most entertaining and, to some extent, meaningful showing the true purpose of IPL to me personally. The major reason for that is the emerging performances of the so-called young cricketers. Then there were the thirty-seven 200+ scores, with 8 being chased down successfully.

[just watch the emotional MSD lift Jadeja at the end🦁]

IPL 2023 was a batting (even though a team was bowled out for 59) season with many last-ball finishes, and I guess that’s what made it so much more entertaining. The IPL 2023 final represented the whole IPL 2023 season with excellent batting, the youngsters performing well, the nail-biting finish, and CSK 🦁 Rocking 💛 🏆.

After watching (at around 1:25 AM) the finish from Sir Jadeja, I was happy. However, it struck me: “Was it all scripted?”. It was so perfect for an MSD farewell which is not happening for sure yet, but everyone knew this was his last season as a perfectly fit player. He did say he’ll try to return next year, and I hope it happens.

So, was it all scripted? There’s no way to know, and NAAHHH, it could not have been. What script allows Rashid Khan to go for over 14 runs per over? Dhoni gets out for a first-ball duck? Mohit Sharma bowls a quick low full toss down the leg, begging to be flicked. It just isn’t easy to plan. As someone who has played cricket quite a lot since my childhood, execution in cricket is very, very hard. Everything was a result of human skill & error. I also think the commentators play a massive role in making it feel like it’s all scripted. The hype they create. Just listen to Ian Bishop’s hail of “Jadddejjaaa” on the mic in the video.

Anyway, IPL 2023 (final) was a treat to watch, and I am sure it will only get more entertaining from here on.