Longer resumption of IPL and Champions League T20, Punjab Kings owner Ness Wadia wants BCCI to franchise cricket

Punjab Kings (PBKS) co-owner Ness Wadia has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to expand the window for the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the league’s inception in 2008, there has been no significant increase in the number of matches played.

Expand IPL, says Punjab Kings owner

The cricket community understands that March to May is the IPL window. Although the league grew from season to season, the tournament was only a 2-month affair. Wadia wants to change that.

The BCCI has already decided to expand the league. Last year, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that from 2028, when the next media rights cycle begins, the number of matches will increase from 74 to 94.

“The BCCI and everyone involved, all the franchises, all of us together, we should look back and be very proud of what has been achieved. In future, it would be good to have more matches. We can start with two more matches (for each team),” Wadia told PTI.

Resumption of the CLT20?

Wadia believes more can be done to expand the IPL. In recent months, many have called for the relaunch of the Champions League T20 (CLT20). Wadia is one of them. The multi-nation franchise tournament ran from 2009 to 2014, before collapsing due to poor ratings and waning interest.

Wadia believes the revival of CLT20 can make the IPL more relevant. After the IPL season ends in May, the league loses relevance until December when auctions usually take place. If CLT20 returns, the June to November window will not be empty and will maintain public interest.

“Also, at some point, we need to consider relaunching the Champions League to reduce the gap between the end of IPL and the auction and keep that enthusiasm alive. And by bringing international exposure by holding auctions in Jeddah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi (next month), it will only attract more eyeballs and build a better connect for IPL as a brand.” Wadia added.

Of course, this is easier said than done. To restart the CLT20, you not only need the approval of the BCCI but of all the cricket boards. One has to wonder whether Pakistan will also be a part of it or not, as tensions between India and Pakistan are increasing. Next comes the problem of windows. Even if we assume there will be room in the schedule, another problem will arise. This will be the availability of the players.

You see, players like Tim David or Trent Boult play in different leagues around the world. Since several teams from different leagues qualify for the tournament, how will you decide which player will play for whom? In this case, the player can choose the franchise that offers the most money.

Number of matches in the IPL over the years