Reports: BCCI looking to launch its own T-10 league by 2024

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is looking to launch its own T-10 format-based cricket league by 2024, according to latest reports. This is being done on the lines of success received by BCCI's flagship league—the Indian Premier League. The officials are of the opinion that the shortest format of the game will foster the growth and popularity of cricket.

It is, however, to be noted that T-10 league is not official yet, as the body is still looking for viable options. Questions regarding age cap of players to be allowed to play the proposed league to ensure smooth conduct of IPL are also being considered. A person aware of the development indicated the focus of the BCCI with respect to the age limit of players to be allowed to play in the league.

“Else, what’s the guarantee that it will not begin to eat into IPL’s popularity over the years? Right now, the IPL’s biggest strengths are a) It caters to Indian prime-time like no other cricket property; b) The world’s best white-ball cricketers participate in the league; and c) Corporate India looks forward to spending big on the league at multiple levels, thus ensuring the upkeep of the property’s central revenue model,” the same source added as quoted by Moneycontrol.

“Whenever the BCCI decides to launch a new property, points a and c will always continue to remain the same given that cricket sells like no other product in India. It is point b that the BCCI might want to think twice about,” say those tracking developments,” he added.

Currently, it is also not sure whether the existing franchisees of the IPL will be offered the right of first refusal or separate tenders would be asked for. As per an existing clause, any business model 'similar' to the IPL will grant franchisees the first right. And as revealed, the apex cricketing body in India might be respecting the same. 

BCCI considering Sept-Oct window for 'new' league 

The prospect of hosting the tournament in different countries every year or sticking to Indian venues is also being thought after. The Board Secy Jay Shah and other stakeholders are reported to be secretly scratching their heads over what could give the world another successful cricketing league, which may provide the grandest stage to the proposed format.

Officials aware of the matter were said to be quoting that the board has identified a window between September and October for hosting the newly-proposed league. The Indian Men's team plays its home season ranging September-March. Then, the IPL takes over for a couple of months. Thus, it will be interesting to see if starting a new tournament in the aforesaid window transpires into reality.