BCCI Shortlists Six Cities For IPL 2022

The Indian Premier League is one of the prestigious leagues in which all top players participate with each other and gain a spot in their respective national squads through performances across franchises.

In the 2021 edition, there are currently 8 teams namely Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. With the 2^nd leg about to start from 19^th September, this would be the last season comprising of 8 teams.

BCCI has now turned its focus for the sale of two more franchises to be added from the next season.

Last week, the board invited tender for the purchase of two new IPL teams and the invitation to tender will be available till 5^th October.

According to the reports the board has put forward six cities including Guwahati, Ranchi, Cuttack (East India), Ahmedabad (West), Lucknow (Central Zone) and Dharamshala (North). Out of these six franchises, two teams will be added from next season.

BCCI is aiming to take the prestigious tournament to cities in Hindi speaking regions keeping the balance of the most popular franchise league in the world.

With three teams like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, BCCI is not eager to have teams from the South as Visakhapatnam and Kochi were in the fray but due to pending litigation of ex franchise, Kochi Tuskers Kerala will be a disadvantage.

The Indian Premier League is one of the best leagues with players from West Indies, India, South Africa, England take part in it. With World T20 slated to take place after IPL, it is an ideal platform to showcase their skills and gain confidence for the prestigious tournament.

BCCI has gone the north, West and eastern way as 65 percent of million viewership of IPL come from Hindi belt. Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are considered only north while Rajasthan Royals are considered from Central Zone. The Board wanted to expand the IPL structure beyond the capital of Delhi and Punjab in the North belt.

The auction of the two teams will begin from INR 2000 Crore from next month. Let’s hope for two new franchises and some big changes in the mega auction during 2022 IPL.