Indian Premier League 2020 to have a ninth team?
Earlier, there were reports that there could be as many as 10 teams for the next IPL season.
Mumbai: According to a report, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to introduce a new team to the existing eight teams of the Indian Premier League (IPL) next year. Earlier, there were reports that there could be as many as 10 teams for the next IPL season.
As per The Times of India, if 10 teams are allowed to play in the IPL, then it might not be too feasible for the international players because then they would have to play more than 90 matches in a single season. As a result, a nine-team tournament is the only feasible solution at the moment with a 76-match contest.
Speaking to The Times of India, a source said, “There are buyers. That’s not the point. But are there enough buyers coming to the table where bidding can be a competitive process? For one franchise? Yes, For two? Let’s see.”
“There will be takers, given the following for cricket in Ahmedabad and the resources available there. So, if a tender is brought out for one franchise right now, there’ll certainly be a great amount of interest and will set a future benchmark,” the source added.
It is also reported that Ahmedabad could be considered a base for the ninth team; as the Motera Stadium, which is under construction, will have a seating capacity of 1.1 lakh once finished. It is slated to be finished by March of next year.
The source added some light on this topic and said, “There will be takers, given the following for cricket in Ahmedabad and the resources available there. So, if a tender is brought out for one franchise right now, there’ll certainly be a great amount of interest and will set a benchmark for the future.”