(Image Source: BCCI)
[Saba Sports News] The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to launch a T-10 cricket league by 2024, inspired by the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI believes this shortest format could further boost cricket’s growth and popularity.
However, the T-10 league is not yet official as the board is exploring viable options, including player age caps, to ensure the league complements the IPL without diminishing its appeal.
“Else, what’s the guarantee that it will not begin to eat into IPL’s popularity over the years? Right now, the IPL’s biggest strengths are a) It caters to Indian prime-time like no other cricket property; b) The world’s best white-ball cricketers participate in the league; and c) Corporate India looks forward to spending big on the league at multiple levels, thus ensuring the upkeep of the property’s central revenue model,” shared a source. “Whenever the BCCI decides to launch a new property, points a and c will always continue to remain the same given that cricket sells like no other product in India. It is point b that the BCCI might want to think twice about,” say those tracking developments.”
Concerns have been raised about maintaining the IPL’s strengths, such as prime-time viewership, participation of top international players, and substantial corporate investment. The BCCI is considering how these factors might be affected by a new league, particularly regarding player participation.
The BCCI is contemplating whether existing IPL franchisees will have the first right to participate in the T-10 league or if separate tenders will be issued. This decision hinges on an existing clause in the IPL’s business model.
The board, led by Secretary Jay Shah and other stakeholders, is deliberating over whether to host the tournament in various countries annually or keep it within Indian venues.
They are reportedly considering a September to October window for the new league, fitting it into the Indian cricket calendar, which includes the home season and the IPL. This development suggests the BCCI is actively working towards adding another dynamic cricketing event to the global calendar.