New Delhi, 18/8:The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season is close to resuming in the UAE, but along with it preparations for the 2022 (IPL 2022) season are also underway. According to Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) treasurer Arun Dhumal, work is underway to add two more franchises to the league in the next season. The BCCI was expected to add two more teams to the roster before the 2021 season, but the Covid-19 pandemic transition made it difficult.
Arun Dhumal said in an interview to Inside Sports, “Everyone is now looking towards the IPL. We are sure it will be an exciting tournament in UAE. This will be the last season of the IPL with eight teams. Definitely next time there will be 10 teams. We’re working on it.” When asked how long can the two teams be linked? Asked about a possible timeline, the treasurer declined to elaborate on the matter.
Pune, Lucknow and Ahmedabad are among the top contenders for the new cities that have rocked the IPL T20 tournament. Kanpur, Guwahati, Indore, Kochi, Raipur and Trivandrum could be among the other contenders for the two new places in the roster. After being suspended mid-season due to the outbreak of Kovid-19 within the T20 league, the BCCI is looking forward to organize the full IPL season in India next time. The board as well as the franchisees have had to reduce their profits due to high expenses in the UAE.
Two new franchises will also invest more money in the league from next year. However, the BCCI is yet to finalize the format for the 10-team season. Let us know that the second phase of IPL 2021 will be played in UAE from 19 September. The first match of this phase will be played between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.