IPL 2021 will be an eight-team event: Report

There have been talks of the governing body including two new teams to the Indian Premier League but the decision is currently believed to be a hurried one. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is all set to go ahead with eight teams for the upcoming edition of the IPL. 

A final decision will be taken at BCCI's Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is scheduled to take place in Ahmedabad on December 24. If the tournament goes ahead with eight teams, it will come as a huge relief for BCCI as well as the existing franchises since there would be no mega auction.

"Two new franchises will obviously have their own share of value when the media rights tender comes along. Also, two more things: First, the central revenue pool for the 2021 season won't be diluted, which means the franchises will be happy; Second, once again 60 matches will be held, which means lesser double-headers, so the broadcaster will be happy," a source was quoted as saying to TOI. 

Considering that the tournament was delayed from March to September, several franchises were not in favour of the mega auctions as there is not much time left to prepare for the upcoming season. However, the board is keen to induct two new teams from the 2022 season. According to the reports, the BCCI could invite bids in March or April. Several corporate houses have expressed interest and are keenly looking forward to the BCCI inviting bids for the inclusion of new teams. 

[TOI Input]