Dubai most favoured destination for mini IPL, says Rajeev Shukla 

IPL CHAIRMAN Rajeev Shukla has confirmed that the BCCI is deliberating over launching the mini edition of the cash-rich league overseas. He also revealed that Dubai is the most favoured destination in the board’s plan. 

Speaking to Gulf News, Shukla divulged,

“One concept that we are deliberating and considering is launching a mini edition of the IPL overseas. We have seen that there is huge attraction for IPL overseas. Earlier, we used to stage our Champions League T20 abroad and that slot is still vacant. We are thinking of a mini edition in that slot. Dubai will be most favoured destination for the mini IPL.”

The UAE is known to have held 2014 edition of the IPL, which was shifted due to the general elections in India. Shukla reckoned that the IPL will become more interesting in the coming decade, courtesy of a new revenue model.

“The next 10 years are going to be interesting. We are changing the revenue sharing model. Earlier franchises took the license fee but now they will be sharing the revenue with the BCCI. Another important thing is about tenders for the broadcasters. In fact, broadcasters’ tenders will be out in July and we are expecting manifold rise in it.”

Speaking about the number of franchises, the IPL chairman also said that the governing council will mull over fitting 10 teams in the league. 

“So far we have decided for eight teams only, otherwise the season will get extended and that will be a problem. If we go for 10 teams, we will have to stage minimum 84 matches. However, the governing council will be considering it but so far the tender will be only for eight teams. The Indian players had played in the IPL before the Champions Trophy and so they were already fit and were in rhythm. IPL also creates bonhomie among the players as they have been playing together for different teams.”

Get the latest in the world of Sports, Teams, and Players! Free Delivery to your Inbox.