India, April 30 -- Don't you just want the IPL to be in the play-offs already? But there's still a month-ish to go and because everything there is high-value, high-stakes, high-volume, each day is totally vital. Given what Indians now understand of sporting leagues - franchises, auctions, teams, valuations - that's the logical course. Leagues are about money, profitability, business, media rights.

Well, there's really leagues and leagues. Earlier in the year, I attended the finale of a league without franchises or auctions. While there was media, there were no rights values for sure. Early disclaimer: I 'adopted' teams in this league for two seasons because it seemed a fun idea but had never seen it at work first hand.

Assam's Brahmaput...