BCCI to discuss 'bigger IPL window' in forthcoming meeting
While two new teams are set to be introduced from the IPL 2022 season onwards, the BCCI is working on ways to get a bigger window in the international calendar in order to accommodate a longer tournament. Reportedly, the BCCI apex council will discuss the same in a meeting scheduled on Sunday. Here are the further details on this.
BCCI looking to stretch the length of IPL: Official
As per reports, the market forces have been trying to convince BCCI to have longer IPL. "BCCI is looking to stretch the length of the tournament. Now, with two teams slated to be added from 2022, the IPL is set to get longer. BCCI wouldn't want to compromise on quality of the tournament due to unavailability of overseas players," a senior official told TOI.
Will a longer IPL impact international cricket?
In the last few years, the BCCI had managed to convince all boards and the International Cricket Council (ICC) to have an IPL that doesn't overlap with much of international cricket. India's cash-rich league is usually held in the March-May window, a period with very few internationals taking place. However, a longer IPL might attract more hurdles in this regard.
BCCI had approved inclusion of two new franchises
In December, the BCCI approved the inclusion of two new franchises in the Indian Premier League from the 2022 edition. The decision was taken in the 89th BCCI's Annual General Meeting, in Ahmedabad. This now takes the total franchises in the tournament to 10. Interestingly, the IPL has followed the 10-team model in the previous editions as well.
The history of 10-team model in IPL
Kochi Tuskers and Pune Warriors India were introduced for the first time in 2011. While the Tuskers were scrapped thereafter, PWI continued for two more years. In 2016, Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions were the new entrants. However, they made an exit in 2018.
A look at the other agendas
Besides the discussion on a longer IPL, India's Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the 2023-2031 cycle will also be on the agenda. Meanwhile, the members could also draw a framework to conduct this season's Ranji Trophy. Women's cricket is another important topic to be discussed. The board is likely to begin the women's domestic tournaments in February-March, followed by international fixtures.
