After the reports surfaced that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 full auction, franchises have sought details from the board. In reply, BCCI has, reportedly, asked the franchises to wait until December.
Sourav Ganguly had informed India Today that IPL 2021 was likely to be scheduled in April-May. Soon after, it was reported that the board is also planning for a mega auction. Initially, it was understood that the board would not hold a big auction because of the reduced gap between the two IPL seasons. So, franchises have now asked for clarification on the subject.
As per reports in Times of India (TOI), the Indian board has urged the franchises to wait until December for an update on the auction for the 14th edition of the tournament.
“Few IPL franchises approached the BCCI to seek clarity on the issue. They were told that they will be getting a much clearer idea in the second half of December,” a BCCI official was quoted as saying to The Times of India (TOI).
A franchise like Chennai Super Kings led by MS Dhoni, who are an ageing team and therefore, had a disappointing IPL 2020 season, need to revive their team combination. But Mumbai Indians, who are the current champion, have a well-settled squad and so, don’t require a big auction.
As per the source, there are a couple of teams who have expressed their wish that the board holds an auction.
“Most of the teams have formed a core. They want to build on it. For the most part of this IPL, there was a consensus that a major auction was not needed. However, there are a couple of teams who have expressed their wish that the board holds an auction,” the official stated.
Motera Stadium might hold IPL matches: BCCI
Meanwhile, BCCI is also working out on hosting IPL matches and also some international series in the renovated Motera stadium in Ahmedabad.
“Ahmedabad should be an important venue for the T20 World Cup. Few IPL games besides the scheduled Test match against England in February at the stadium will only help,” the official added.
BCCI is also looking to include a ninth team in the cash-rich league, but the decision is yet to be taken.