The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly contemplating the launch of a T10 format cricket league, with a potential start date between October and September of the following year, according to a report by Moneycontrol on Friday. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah is said to be developing a blueprint for the proposed league.
This development comes amid the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a T20 format cricket league, which has witnessed a surge in viewership and valuation. A recent report by Brand Finance revealed that the IPL has achieved the status of a decacorn, with an estimated valuation of around $10.7 billion.
The report from Moneycontrol suggests that currently, franchises retain the right to reject any new model proposed by BCCI, similar to the IPL. Insiders familiar with the matter mentioned that certain crucial factors need consideration before launching the new T10 league. These include establishing an age bracket to prevent encroachment on the IPL’s popularity and ensuring the participation of top white-ball cricketers in the league.
It was further emphasized that cricket boards are facing financial challenges with the current model of bilateral series, and the introduction of a new series, along with a potential revenue-sharing model, could provide financial relief. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact on the traditional 50-over format.
While the need for immediate financial support may not be pressing for India, recent reports have indicated that Saudi Arabia is exploring an investment in the IPL. The kingdom has proposed investing up to $5 billion in the league, potentially aiding in its expansion to other countries, similar to prominent football leagues like the English Premier League or the European Champions League.
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As of now, the BCCI has not issued an official statement regarding the proposed T10 cricket league. The potential introduction of a new format adds an interesting dimension to the cricketing landscape, raising questions about its impact on existing formats and the global cricketing ecosystem.
