IPL could be a 10-team affair from 2018, says BCCI

BCCI may make changes from 2018

The BCCI has taken a U-turn on the decision regarding the number of teams in the IPL. Previously, it was agreed that the tournament would be an 8-team affair. But with the inclusion of two new teams for 2016 and 2017 seasons, questions have been raised about the status of the two new teams from 2018 season onwards.

Now, BCCI vice-president TC Mathew has suggested that IPL may become a 10-team tourney from 2018 onwards. And according to him, there has been a rush from various quarters regarding the purchase of two new teams in the IPL, reports IBN Live.

"There is no doubt that there would be a good number of applications as it has been decided to select two new teams to replace Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals who remain suspended for two years," he said.

"There would be eight teams, including the two new ones for the 2016 and 2017 editions and once after that, there would be an overhaul and the total number of teams from 2018 would be ten," he continued.

Mathew’s words has come as a surprise as previously, the BCCI had strictly maintained that IPL would have only 8 teams. A similar situation had arisen in 2011 when Kochi Tuskers and Pune Warriors were part of the extravaganza, making the IPL a 10-team tournament back then. However, Kochi were terminated from the IPL the following year, due to financial conditions. Pune survived another year, before subsequently withdrawing from the tournament in 2013.

Mathew added that the tenders from various sources, would be floated soon after the annual general meeting (AGM) to be held in Mumbai on 9 November. There has already been speculation regarding the possible new teams, with Kanpur’s name doing the rounds. Another front-runner would be Kerala, which is currently hosting the ISL football tournament.