Some of the reports the InsideSport are suggested that the BCCI has put on hold all plans for floating tenders for two new Indian Premier League (IPL) teams. BCCI had been planning to introduce two new teams in IPL 2022 but is still reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the indefinite suspension of the IPL 2021.
BCCI is currently focusing on how to find closure for the pending IPL 2021 season which had to be suspended after 29 matches had been played. COVID-19 positive cases amongst players, coaches, and support staff proved to be the last straw before BCCI and IPL governing council took the decision of postponing the 14th edition.
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As per previous plans, the two new IPL teams were expected to be taken aboard into the roster, with IPL 2022 likely to be a ten-team affair. Multiple reports had previously suggested the tenders for the new IPL teams will come forward by the end of May. However, a senior BCCI official confirmed to InsideSport that the BCCI has put plans for new IPL teams to hold for the time being.
The BCCI official had said, “Time is not right to even talk about the new IPL teams at this stage. We have to first decide the way forward on the suspended season and then only decisions can be taken on the new teams for IPL 2022. No discussion in this regard is happening at this stage in the BCCI. We don’t see any moment on this before July. We can’t give any timelines at this stage. As I said, no discussion currently in this regard is taking place in BCCI for now.”
There are still 31 matches to play in the IPL 2021 and the BCCI is still searching for a window to organize the remaining games. BCCI is looking for a September window to host the remainder of the games. Till now counties in England, Sri Lanka, and UAE have shown interest to host the remaining 31 matches of the IPL 2021.
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A delay in the tender process for the new IPL teams will surely put involved parties on the back foot. Setting up an IPL franchise requires significant effort, and the BCCI will be hoping the process gets completed as soon as possible.
