BCCI is considering the creation of a T10 league, akin to the IPL but in a Tier-2 format, slated for September-October. Though in the early stages, the idea has garnered positive feedback from stakeholders and potential sponsors, with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah currently working on the logistics.
According to a Moneycontrol report, the BCCI draws inspiration from the transformative success of the IPL since 2008. The proposed T10 format is seen as a potential catalyst to further elevate cricket’s popularity in India, according to insiders familiar with the ongoing discussions.
The report indicates that the board is addressing various issues related to the potential introduction of a new league, including the choice of format and other factors that impact the IPL.
A) Whether to proceed with a T10 league or stick to T20 (the current proposal is for T10) is a decision they are contemplating.
B) Is it advisable to impose an age cap on players in the new league to avoid diminishing the popularity of the IPL?
C) Should the new league’s franchises be auctioned separately or given to existing IPL franchises with the right of first refusal, as mentioned in their current contracts?
D) Should the planned tournament take place in India, or should it explore having a different venue each year?
There is a clause in the contracts between the BCCI and the IPL franchises, providing the franchises with the right of first refusal for any business model deemed ‘similar’ to the IPL that the board intends to introduce.
Insiders suggest that the BCCI will honor the mentioned clause before making any conclusive decisions.
“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 development.”
India appears as an untapped market for the T10 format, which has seen success in competitions held in the UAE and the United States.
“It could signal the death of 50-over cricket sooner than one thinks” – Countries are reportedly in talks about sharing revenue in a potential agreement with the BCCI
Franchise cricket is expected to become more popular than bilateral cricket due to recent trends. Apart from ICC events and a few major series, other international cricket struggles to compete with the widespread popularity of franchise-based tournaments worldwide.
The current revenue-sharing model doesn’t benefit many nations, as bilateral series lack appeal for broadcasters and might not change this stance.
“A potential revenue-sharing model with the BCCI could help these boards on the financial front. “But if that happens, it could signal the death of 50-over cricket sooner than one thinks,” say those fearing the ‘inevitable.”
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