The BCCI reportedly plans to introduce its own T-10 cricket league in 2024, targeting a window between September and October for the tournament.
As per recent reports, the BCCI is contemplating the launch of its own T-10 format cricket league by 2024, mirroring the triumph of the Indian Premier League (IPL). This strategic move aims to expand cricket’s popularity and audience further. However, the league remains unofficial as the BCCI explores suitable avenues and ponders over crucial aspects like player age caps to maintain the IPL’s smooth functioning.
A key concern is avoiding any potential impact on the IPL’s immense popularity. Experts stress that while cricket remains a top-selling product in India, the BCCI must carefully evaluate the potential impact on IPL participation by world-class players if a new league is introduced.
“Else, what’s the guarantee that it will not begin to eat into IPL’s popularity over the years? Right now, the IPL’s biggest strengths are a) It caters to Indian prime-time like no other cricket property; b) The world’s best white-ball cricketers participate in the league; and c) Corporate India looks forward to spending big on the league at multiple levels, thus ensuring the upkeep of the property’s central revenue model,” said a source to Moneycontrol.
“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 developments,” the source added.
Discussions are underway among BCCI officials, including Board Secy Jay Shah, contemplating the global reach of the tournament. There’s a debate on whether to rotate hosting across countries or retain it in India. The aim is to create a successful cricketing spectacle for the proposed format.
Sources also reveal the board’s consideration of a September-October window for the league, sandwiched between the Indian team’s home season and the IPL. The decision to launch a new tournament during this period remains pending, awaiting further developments.
Last Updated on December 15, 2023
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