In what can be a major development, the next edition of the Indian Premier League can witness nine teams fighting between each other for the prestigious trophy. Currently, the tournament is contested between eight franchises – Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, the tournament started with eight teams in 2008. Two new teams namely – Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala were added before the fourth season in 2011. However, one year later, on 11 November 2011, it was announced that the Kochi Tuskers Kerala side would be terminated following the side breaching the BCCI’s terms of conditions
Then on September 2012, following the team not being able to find new owners, the BCCI announced that the 2009 champions, the Deccan Chargers, would be terminated. Sun TV joined the bid for the Hyderabad franchise and was named Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2013, Pune Warriors India withdrew from IPL owing to financial differences with BCCI.
Suresh Raina to lead the franchise
In 2015, BCCI announced that Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals would be suspended for two seasons following their role in a match-fixing and betting scandal. It saw two new franchises – Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiant replaced them. Both of them were dissolved after Chennai and Rajasthan made a return in 2008.
Also Read: CSK To Terminate Contracts With Suresh Raina And Harbhajan Singh – Reports
In the major development according to Cricfit sources, IPL 2021 is likely to see a new franchise from Ahmedabad plying their trade in one of the best T20 leagues across the globe. Chennai Super Kings stalwart Suresh Raina, who had a fallout with the franchise after he pulled out of the IPL 2020 amid coronavirus outbreak, is likely to lead the new franchise.
Meanwhile, there are no proper reports whether IPL 2021 will see a mega or mini-auction. BCCI President Sourav Ganguly has stated that they are yet to make a decision and will only discuss after IPL 2020 ends.
Speaking about the ongoing competition, Mumbai Indians have already booked their berth in the finals. One team between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals, who will play in the Qualifier will set up a date with Mumbai on November 10.
