The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a notable decline in the brand value of the Indian Premier League (IPL) ahead of the 2026 season. This popular cricket league has experienced a 20% drop in its ecosystem value, plummeting from USD 12 billion (approximately INR 1,078.67 crore) in 2024 to USD 9.6 billion (around INR 86,291 crore) in 2025. A report from Brand Finance highlights that the geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan in May played a significant role in this decline. As the IPL 2025 was wrapping up, tensions escalated between the two neighboring countries, leading to the league's suspension and players being sent home. Although the league resumed in under two weeks, the impact was already felt. However, this isn’t the sole reason for the drop. The report also pointed out that the uncertainty surrounding the mega-auction and the resulting team changes contributed to the situation. Consequently, the BCCI and IPL have seen a valuation loss of INR 21,576 crore. Read also: Why did Vijay Shankar register himself as uncapped player for 2026 IPL mini auction? Impact on CSK and RCB According to News9, IPL franchises are feeling the pinch too. The value of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has decreased by 10%, now sitting at USD 105 million (approximately INR 94.35 crore), as they’ve been surpassed by the Mumbai Indians, despite RCB clinching their first IPL title. Chennai Super Kings have seen their brand value fall by 24%, now at USD 93 million (around INR 83.57 crore). Other teams like Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders have been hit even harder, with declines of 35%, 34%, and 33%, respectively. The Gujarat Titans are the only team to have seen a slight increase in brand value, but it’s just a modest 2%. Recently, a report suggested that the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, along with the merger of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar, could lead to a significant drop in the IPL’s brand value. Just two days ago, JioStar reportedly pulled out of their media rights deal with the ICC, lending credence to that report.