Anupam Mittal

IPL 2025 begins with high-scoring matches and sharp critiques. Anupam Mittal’s suggestion of replacing bowlers with machines stirs debates, while fans share diverse opinions.

IPL 2025: A Season of Controversy and Change?

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off on March 22, 2025, bringing excitement, talent, and unexpected controversies. One of the standout moments this season came from Shark Tank India judge Anupam Mittal, who humorously suggested replacing bowlers with bowling machines. His remarks sparked widespread debates among cricket fans and experts alike, as they question the balance of the game between bat and ball.

Season Overview

This season of IPL showcases a total of 74 matches, beginning with an opening face-off between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. Matches are being hosted across various cities in India, concluding on May 25, 2025. Despite the spectacular performances, discussions surrounding the league’s format dominate the conversation.

Criticism and Controversy

In a viral social media post, Anupam Mittal criticized the game’s current dynamics. He remarked, “Everything is a wide, no ball, 4, or 6,” implying that matches heavily favor batsmen. He humorously added, “IPL should just replace bowlers with bowling machines.”

Fans resonated with Mittal’s observations, with one commenting, “The game is completely rigged in the batsman’s favor. It feels like watching a video game.” Another remarked, “Good idea, at least bowlers’ mental health would be saved!” While some embraced high-scoring games, others expressed fatigue at the lack of diversity in matches.

Fans’ Reactions

Social media buzzes with opinions on IPL 2025. While many support Mittal’s critique of the batsman-dominated games, others find entertainment in the high-scoring matches. A user humorously joked, “Since when did a wedding planner become a cricket expert?” Such reactions reflect the mix of humor and frustration this season has evoked.

An Economic Perspective: UPI’s Disruption

Amid the cricket debates, Anupam Mittal also highlighted India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). He praised UPI for enabling seamless and cost-efficient global transactions, suggesting it could challenge payment giants like Visa and Mastercard. Mittal’s insight demonstrates the versatility of his views, even as they veer beyond cricket.

Conclusion

As IPL 2025 progresses, it raises important questions about maintaining a fair balance in the game. While the league continues to deliver thrilling entertainment, the controversies around its format reflect deeper concerns among fans and critics. Whether it’s Mittal’s humorous take on bowling machines or his call for technological innovation, IPL 2025 has already marked itself as a season of both passion and discussion.