5 players each from CSK and RR to be drafted into new teams, Kanpur likely to make IPL entry

Dhoni and Raina would be among the most high-profile cricketers to be drafted into the new teams

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly planning to introduce a ‘draft system’ which will see the best five players each from the two suspended IPL franchises – Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals – to be included in the two prospective IPL teams, Cricbuzz reports.

The BCCI’s working committee meeting held on Sunday had confirmed that CSK and RR would remain suspended for two years as per the recommendations of the Lodha Committee report with two new teams being introduced for the two-year period, which are reportedly set to be decided on the basis on ‘reverse bidding’.

With the future of the players from the two suspended franchises still not sorted out, BCCI sources are indicating that the high-profile players, five from each team, could be drafted into the new teams while the remaining players will in all likelihood be included in the auction pool to be held ahead of IPL 9.

Regarding the persistent rumours regarding the number of teams in the IPL once CSK & RR complete their suspension period, Cricbuzz reports that the T20 tournament is likely to be contested between eight teams.

"In all likelihood, it could remain an eight-team affair," the source added.

Kanpur could have an IPL team

Kanpur is the hometown of IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla

In another related news, Times of India are reporting that Kanpur is one of the cities that has been shortlisted for the new teams with the side set to play their home matches at the Greater Noida Stadium instead of the more famous Green Park Stadium which hosted the 1st ODI in the ongoing 5-match series between India and South Africa.

The fact that Kanpur is the hometown of IPL Chairman and senior BCCI official Rajeev Shukla is touted to be the deciding factor in the report. Incidentally, Shukla was in Noida on Monday accompanying former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden on his visit to the city where he reviewed the facilities at the Greater Noida Stadium which could be hosting IPL matches from the next season.

"Greater Noida is developed in terms of infrastructure and connectivity. It is just an hour's drive from Delhi and has a number of good hotels where teams can stay. Additionally, it has hosted the Formula One Grand Prix in the past which means it is not new to hosting big sporting events. All these things are in the city's favour," a senior official of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association told TOI.