The Indian Premier League is all set to head into it’s ninth season and the excitement keeps building up. Despite embarrassing scandals and instances of corruption, this IPL has managed to steer clear of controversies as people are already curious about two new teams being introduced to cricket’s very own spectacle.

Representational image | Source: Reuters

But most people haven’t noticed the considerable contribution that the IPL has made to the Indian economy. Making sports an active player in strengthening the economy, IPL has added $182 million to India’s GDP, as per recent survey by KPMG.

Representational image | Source: Reuters

The 44 day tournament consisting of eight franchises with 193 players and close to two million fans, rakes in the moolah from stakeholders, franchises, viewers and media rights. This phenomenon resulted in the league contributing $418 million in the year 2015 alone, and hosting the extravaganza meant a hefty revenue for the country.

Representational image | Source: Reuters

IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla reacted to the results saying, “It is inspiring to know that IPL has had such a positive impact on India’s economy; the contribution of Rs 11.5 billion to India’s GDP through a 60-day event is surely testament to the tournament’s success.”

Representational image | Source: Reuters

While IPL has been spreading joy across the country since almost a decade, the present findings will leave the treasury with a smile.