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DR Congo advance but Iran out as wild World Cup group stage wraps
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Asia's vendors grapple with rising costs of ever-present plastics
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Austria and Algeria reach World Cup knockouts after 3-3 thriller
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Messi scores again as Argentina head into World Cup last 32 on a high
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Where are they? Dogs disappear before South Korea meat ban
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Wissa proud to deliver World Cup joy to war-torn DR Congo
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China's bull wrestlers fight to keep tradition alive
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South Korea's 'dismal' World Cup ends in group phase
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England top group to set up DR Congo World Cup clash, Portugal held
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Colombia and Portugal through to World Cup last 32 after thrilling draw
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England moving on at World Cup but questions linger
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Wissa sends DR Congo into World Cup last 32 clash with England
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Venezuela quakes kill 1,400 as time running out to find survivors
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A painful wait by a pile of rubble in quake-hit Venezuela
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Australia World Cup goalkeeper Patrick Beach has beach named after him
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Tuchel delighted to have Bellingham in 'sweet spot' for England at World Cup
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Take brutally hot weather seriously, heatstroke survivor warns
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Bellingham says 'job done' but England must improve at World Cup
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Australia boosts shark-spotting drone coverage at Sydney beaches
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Trump threatens to annihilate Iran after new exchange of attacks
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Scotland boss Clarke resigns after World Cup exit confirmed
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Scotland boss Clarke resigns after World Cup exit confirmed: official
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Kane, Bellingham on target as England win World Cup group
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Kane, Bellingham on target as England clinch top spot
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Croatia battle past Ghana to sew up World Cup Last 32 spot
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Bellingham, Kane score as England beat Panama to reach World Cup last 32
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US, Iran clash, putting fragile deal under growing strain
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Canada's Davies 'available' for historic knockout clash
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Ryu takes one-shot lead over Henderson at Women's PGA Championship
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Hovland seizes one-shot PGA Travelers lead over Scheffler
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Jangoo and Chase put West Indies in control against Sri Lanka
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Mauvaka double inspires Toulouse to fourth-straight Top 14 in storm-impacted final
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World Cup star Gakpo requests privacy after death of unborn son
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Solidarity, sadness among Venezuelans made destitute by quake
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Aid planes landing at partially reopened Venezuela airport after quakes
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Iran says US violated peace deal as both sides attack
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Spain's Williams hits out at Uruguay over World Cup injury
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'We need help': Venezuelans furious at slow official response to quakes
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World's largest particle smasher halts for upgrade to boost hunt for dark matter
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Venus Williams relishes 'very special' Wimbledon reunion with sister Serena
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Ex-Olympic medallist Canderloro elected French Ice Sports chief
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Ravindra leads New Zealand rally in England finale after Archer's double strike
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Prince Harry and family to stay at royal residences on UK visit
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Wimbledon 'towel thief' Swiatek back on the trophy hunt
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'Why not?': Cape Verde eye seismic World Cup shock against Argentina
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Venezuela earthquake deaths near 1,000, with millions more in need
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Russell snatches controversial pole in Austria after Verstappen crash
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French Open champs head to Wimbledon wrestling with new-found status
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Davidovich Fokina wins in Mallorca for first ATP title
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Budapest Pride marchers push for equality after reversed ban
Cricket's Indian Premier League value surges to $18.5 bn: report
The Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank.
The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11 billion a year for the Indian economy.
According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, which has valued several sports franchises around the world, the brand value of the 10-team T20 franchise tournament has seen a sharp rise of 13.8 percent to $3.9 billion over the past year.
Bengaluru, who along with star player Virat Kohli won their first IPL title this year, have overtaken five-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve a brand value of $269 million.
Mumbai is second with $242 million, followed by Chennai at $235 million.
The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL "a global phenomenon" that has become more than just a cricket league.
"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey, said in a statement.
"The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal."
Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings for the title at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in June to conclude the 18th edition of the league.
The report said the 2025 final had more than 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, surpassing the India-Pakistan clash during the Champions Trophy in February this year.
The IPL, which is broadcast around the world and features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler, mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood movie superstars.
Since it launched in 2008 it has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi, and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere.
T.Perez--AT