BCCI's secretary, Mr. Shah mentioned the possiblity of adding two more teams in the fourth year of the IPL but I am afraid all that'll do is lengthen the duration of the league. We all saw what happened to the last world cup which lasted for almost two months. I think 8 teams in a league is an ideal number. Moreoever, what BCCI could do is add a new "division" just like they have in Times shield or like in English Premier League. BCCI should rename the current IPL league to IPL Divison I (or some other cliché name) and add IPL Division II. The top 2 teams from division II will be promoted to the IPL Division I and the least performing team from division I would be relegated to IPL Division II.
This'll ensure that there is something to loose more than money if a team doesn't perform well. Another reason to include this is to sustain the TRPs of the teams at the bottom. Just like there is competition at the top of the heap to enter semi-finals, a format like this would ensure competition at the bottom of the pyramid to avoid relegation and hence keeping the teams on their toes all through out the tournament. Just think about the consequences if Bangalore Royal Challengers and Deccan Chargers faced relegation! Right now, they are simply playing because they have to there is nothing to loose but if they were facing relegation then they would be fighting to move up even though they dont have any chances of making it to the semi-finals.
"The top 2 teams from division II will be promoted to the
IPL Division I and the least performing team from
division I would be relegated to IPL Division II"
Another thing that a format like this will ensure is that one won't have to be an Ambani to own a team in the IPL. You will still need considerable money for travel and other expenses but one could try and build a team with domestic players from all over the world which plays well together (example Rajasthan Royals). Such a team could start in division II and then move up to the main stage! We all know that on any given day, any team can win or loose in a Twenty20 match.
BCCI is set to make around $100mn a year with IPL and BCCI also expects the following for an IPL team to translate into people taking interest in other formats that their local team is invlovled in and hence BCCI secretary, Niranjan Shah, said that they are also expecting more viewership (and hence more money) for Ranji trophy matches as a result of IPL too. The IPL has also provided some breathing space to BCCI by reducing its financial dependence on international matches. Now that BCCI has IPL it could very easily reduce the hectic international schedule which will increase the sporting life of a player as well.
"Just like there is competition at the top of the heap to enter
semi-finals, a format like this would ensure competition
at the bottom of the pyramid to avoid relegation"
I am not sure if BCCI has any thoughts about a division II but if they dont, let me talk in their language. Division II may not get you $100 million but it could get you $10 millions? is that enough money?
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