With reference to “Commercial pitch” (March 30), the splurge in investments by PE and VC funds in the 19th edition of IPL business, eyeing the substantial income generation from various revenue streams, is noteworthy and demonstrates the deep global commercial potential in cricket. In general, private equity players take investment stakes in product manufacturing and services industries based on long-term growth, returns and safe exit perspectives.

The directional change towards safe and fast-track revenue mechanism entwined with broadcast and sponsorship rights and the humongous ad-revenue generated from the deals, prove to be a major source of income, not only for the PE industry but also for small entities in the logistics, food, beverage and garment industries.

Sitaram Popuri

Bengaluru

Rebalance cricket

Indian Premier League (IPL) is now too big to be rolled back or contained, so the smarter move is to rebalance cricket, not fight the tide. Policy should reward domestic level cricketers better, build stronger local leagues for Test Cricket and ODI Cricket, and open stadia in non-metro cities for year-round training. On non-match days, these venues should serve all sports, not sit idle like expensive wedding halls. That way, IPL money can strengthen the wider sports ecosystem in India instead of swallowing it whole.

Arul Mozhi Varman

Sivakasi, TN

Schemes for the elderly

This is with reference to ‘Insuring the gift of longevity with dignity’ (March 30). It is heartbreaking to see or read about elders left to fend for themselves without any support from society or children. In this backdrop, Ayushman health coverage for senior citizens by the government is a welcome move. The Atal Pension Yojana is also a good scheme that guarantees pensions to elders from the unorganised sector. The government should introduce more such types of schemes, give wide publicity to them, and also make the existing schemes more attractive with regular amendments. However, experts believe without proper diagnostic tools, planning for the elderly can become a challenge for policymakers.

Veena Shenoy

Thane

Financing freebies

Major political parties in Tamil Nadu vie with each other in offering freebies to the people of the State. TVK, the new entrant to the political landscape, has offered among other things, doles to unemployed graduates and diploma holders. If receipts from liquor shops are going to finance the freebies, then it means that the State is squandering away the scarce monetary resources. Liquor consumption and drug addiction are assuming alarming proportions among the youth in the State.

S Ramakrishnasayee

Chennai

Published on March 30, 2026