IPL 2021 to have nine teams? BCCI set to decide soon
A full-fledged IPL player auction is also reportedly on the BCCI’s agenda.
The 13th edition of the IPL ended on Tuesday but BCCI’s plans for the 14th edition are already afoot. On the agenda are two points that could have a lasting impact on the economic and scheduling landscape of the IPL.
The first issue to be discussed at the next IPL committee meeting will be the addition of a ninth team. According to reports coming out of the IPL camp, adding a ninth team looks like a real possibility. The reason behind this is primarily financial as such a move will greatly benefit the IPL given the economic losses sustained due to the coronavirus pandemic, because of which the 2020 edition had to be shifted to the UAE.
If a ninth team is indeed added, then it looks likely that the team will be based out of Ahmedabad. The city boasts of a freshly refurbished Motera cricket stadium with a seating capacity of over 1 lakh.
While things will certainly become clearer after the next IPL committee meeting, it is worth noting that the BCCI in 2018 had indicated that the Board will look to increase the number of teams.
The second issue to be discussed is that of player auction. Reports suggest that the BCCI has informally discussed this matter with all the franchises. “Time constraints are there but full auction will be in the interest of everyone. IPL Governing Council will formally decide on this in next 2 weeks and communicate to everyone concerned”, said a BCCI source currently in Dubai.
CSK to benefit from player auction?
After their IPL 2020 debacle, one team desperate to rebuild would be the Chennai Super Kings. A full player auction might be in their best interest. Captain MS Dhoni, during a post-match interview after his side’s last league game of the IPL 2020, had stated that rebuilding the team will depend on what decision the BCCI takes regarding the auction.
“We have to wait and see what BCCI decide on the next season’s player auctions”, Dhoni had said when asked about CSK’s rebuilding plans for IPL 2021.
Sources say that not only CSK, but teams like the Rajasthan Royals, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore would welcome a full player auction. IPL 2021 is likely to take place in India in the months of April and May.
As all IPL fans now wait with bated breath for the next IPL Governing Council meeting, CricXstacy promises to keep its readers up-to-speed with all the breaking news from their favourite T20 tournament.
Featured Image: Twitter/IPL