InternationalCricket Update: The inclusion
of two new teams to the IPL, according to Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia,
would offer the competition a new depth.
The
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) issued an Invitation to Tender
(ITT) seeking offers for the ownership of two additional IPL teams. Interested
companies had until October 5 to purchase the offer for a non-refundable fee of
ten lakh rupees plus taxes.
It
will give the league a new dimension: Ness Wadia
Wadia
believes the two new franchises will sell for at least INR 3000 crore, and that
the league's viewership would increase as a result.
-The
value of each of the new teams should be 50 to 75% more than the base price of
Rs 2000 cr. I think each team would go for a minimum of 3,000 to 3,500 cr,-
Wadia said, according to a cricket news report.
-I-m
excited about two new teams coming in because it will add a new dimension to
the league. It will bring in a much wider base of viewership. And it will
strengthen the IPL, which is already the greatest cricket league in the world
and one of the greatest leagues in world sport,- he added.
We
have no idea how much retention or the right to match will cost: Ness Wadia
Apart
from the inclusion of two new teams, the IPL 2022 will include a major auction
in which all of the teams will be totally restructured. Wadia believes the big
auction should be conducted in a fair and equal manner, and he is unsure
whether his team's players should be retained.
-It
(the mega player auction) should be fair and equitable, especially to the two
new teams coming in. I-m looking forward to seeing what happens from that
perspective,- Wadia said.
-We
don-t know what the retention or right to match will be. We-ll see (things)
based on that. I think there are several players which teams will be gunning
for,- he added.
The IPL
governing board determined that the last two league matches on October 8 will
be played concurrently instead of a back-to-back as is customary. Wadia praised
the BCCI for being proactive in making the decision.
-I
think the BCCI-s objective has always been to have a balanced and equitable
standing and positioning for each of the teams. It-s a good decision. I congratulate
them for being so proactive,- Wadia mentioned.
The
Punjab Kings are in fifth place on the points standings, but their chances of
making the playoffs are limited.