BCCI Contemplates Two Seasons of IPL per Year, Considering T10 Format

The idea of holding two IPL seasons in a calendar year is still on the table for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). On March 22, the 17th IPL season kicks off.

Former captain and head coach Ravi Shastri had proposed the concept a few years prior.

"I believe you may play in two IPL seasons. It wouldn't surprise me in the least. Shastri has stated on the Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club podcast that "you might very well have a shorter format of the IPL in the latter half of the year if bilateral cricket is reduced." "All of it is made possible by supply and demand as well as money. There is a lot of demand for that kind of format."

That will rely on locating an appropriate window, though.

"We are planning to have 74 games in the first two seasons of the IPL media rights for the five-year (2023–2027) cycle, then progressively increase to 84 in the next two and 94 if we get that kind of window."

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated to The Telegraph on Sunday, "As of right now, the kind of bilateral arrangement that we have for the coming four years, we need to find a window for 84 games and subsequently for 94."

"It is hard to find time during this busy season with all these bilateral agreements and ICC events that take place annually. But we will surely take a look at it if a window opens up and we can do something original that enhances what we are doing.

"I can't promise anything right now. However, going forward, we wouldn't hesitate to answer any calls if there was a window open and it would be beneficial for the BCCI and our players, Dhumal stated.

Will the second IPL season use the T20 format, or is the BCCI willing to consider a T10 competition? The chairman of the IPL remained ambiguous.

"We haven't yet talked about that. It's merely making the rounds in the press. Furthermore, no choice can be made in the absence of discussion.

"So if at all there's something that we need to think about, we will definitely think so in the best interest of the game," he stated.

Dhumal, who has stated that a massive auction will occur following the 2024 season, is unwilling to engage in the dispute between country and franchise.

It's not as though players have a preference for franchise cricket. I believe that the game is driven by the fan. That is my sincere view, he remarked, pointing out how the Indian Premier League has expanded over the past 15–16 years to rank as the second-biggest sports league globally.

Of course, this is the case because the fans are the ones that adore the game, its structure, the level of participation they witness, and the kind of matches they watch. Thus, that is the reason the league has advanced. People play for more than simply financial gain during such kinds of frenzy; they also play to generate excitement and buzz around the stadium."

Hence, the excitement around the IPL is completely different from that surrounding any other bilateral match. However, they are also aware of the recognition they will receive as athletes if they compete and succeed for their nation."

I have no doubt that they are aware of the level of respect that Virat, Dhoni, or Sachin would receive. obviously by winning games for India rather than by competing for any team or brand."

The Board does not consider any franchise investment in South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, or the West Indies to be a danger and is not opposed to franchises making such an investment. Indian investors hold six franchises in South Africa.

"We regret to inform you that the value of media rights for bilaterals has decreased.It has been taking place all over the world. And all these nations are creating T20 franchise competitions in some way to make up for that," Dhumal remarked.

In this manner, they want to conceal any losses resulting from a decline in the value of media rights. They would therefore wish to give it a try in that regard. And it makes sense that they would want to try it out in other regions as well, considering the kind of valuation that our franchises have received from the IPL and how much they have gained in just 15 to 16 years."

I therefore hope the best for them. I believe that only a select few are doing well. Few people are still having difficulty... Given that cricket is now included in the Olympics, it has to expand."

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