Addition of two new franchises in IPL 2021 unlikely; will happen in 2022 – Report

Addition of two new franchises in IPL 2021 unlikely; will happen in 2022 – Report

WhatsApp Image 2020 09 06 at 1.09.37 PM

Dream11 IPL Trophy
The IPL Trophy

Following the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2020, speculations were rife that two new franchises will be added in the following season in 2021 leading to a mega-auction. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic situation still looming large, it seems unlikely that the same will materialize for next season. The 2020 season had to be postponed and held in the UAE due to the pandemic. However, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly made it clear that the 2021 season won’t be held in any other place but India.

Now, reports have emerged from The Times of India that the idea to include two new franchises has been postponed to 2022 and that the current season will only have a mini-auction followed by an 8-team IPL. A final decision on the same will be taken on December 24 when the BCCI meets for its annual general meeting.

‘New franchises in 2022 will add value to 2021 edition’

BCCI
BCCI

Speaking about the prospect of two new franchises in 2022 and how it would affect the 2021 season, a source from BCCI told TOI, “The BCCI could call for the bids in February or March or April – whenever they think the time is right. The adding of new franchises, say stakeholders for 2021, will also add value to the 2021 edition once it becomes a talking point. That’s the line of thought as of now.”

“Two new franchises will obviously have their own share of value when the media rights tender comes along. Also, two more things: First, the central revenue pool for the 2021 season won’t be diluted, which means the franchises will be happy; Second, once again 60 matches will be held, which means lesser double-headers, so the broadcaster will be happy,” the source reportedly added.

With the prospect of a mega-auction looking unlikely, the composition of teams in 2021 will be more or less similar to what was seen in the 2020 edition.

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