After revolutionizing T20 cricket and cricket forever with the IPL in 2008, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now embarking on a new journey to further create more noise in the world of cricket.
According to a report in Moneycontrol.com, by a reputed journalist, the BCCI is set to launch a Tier-2 IPL, which could be in the T10 format, and which could even start this year.
The report said that the BCCI is “considering introducing a Tier-2 cricket league as early as 2024”. The board is eyeing the September-October window for this league, which might be in T10 format.
T10 is not an international format at the moment, but there have been multiple leagues, the most recognized ones in Abu Dhabi and Zimbabwe, in the 10-over per side format. With cricket already being set to be played at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, the ICC could ponder over making T10 cricket an official international format if this new league by the BCCI attains success.
BCCI set to launch T10 format IPL: Reports
There’s no reason why this T10 format wouldn’t have success. There have been complaints from fans and stakeholders, the broadcasters, that the IPL matches often get dragged and consume more time than it should do, often going past 11.30 PM.
The report in the above-stated website added: “BCCI secretary Jay Shah is working on a blueprint for the proposed league, and stakeholders, including potential sponsors, are giving a big thumbs up to the idea… The board has identified a window between September and October to slot the new cricket league.”
It’s unclear whether the existing IPL franchises will be sold the teams for this new Tier-2 league, or whether the the board will invite tenders for the same.
The T10 format would further drive cricket into countries where it’s not yet popular. The ICC has already recognized the USA as a major, untapped cricket market. Some matches of next year’s T20 World Cup will be played in the USA, including the India vs Pakistan match in New York, as some reports suggest.
