IPL 2021: Big rule change expected as franchises request for the addition of 5th foreigner in the XI

IPL 2020 concluded just a few weeks back where Mumbai Indians lifted the trophy for a record fifth time. The 13th edition of IPL, which was held inside a strict bio-bubble in UAE, turned out to be extremely competitive as all the franchises had at least 12 points in the league stage. Now all the attention has moved to IPL 2021, which may see the light of the day in four-five months from now only.

As per BCCI, mega auctions are already proposed ahead of the 2021 season and the new ninth team is also in the line of consideration. The 14th edition might also see some other big changes as per the reports. It has been found that some of the franchises are willing to play five foreigners in their squad. The IPL has allowed only four foreigners in the playing XI of the franchise for the past 13 editions of the fancy league.

It has been learnt that some franchises have requested the IPL Governing Council to add the 5th foreigner in their squad. “Some of the franchises have been requesting from the last couple of editions to increase the number of foreigners in the playing11. BCCI is yet to have a serious discussion on the same. Once again, a request in this regard has been made by some franchises. We will take this up at the appropriate forum,” stated one of the BCCI officials as quoted by InsideSport.

If IPL is expanded, few tweaks in the format will take place says BCCI official

BCCI official also added that in case the league has to be expanded, some changes would have to be introduced in the coming stage. IPL Governing Council might also think of introducing things like Power Surge like that of Australia’s Big Bash League, but all those things are far away right now. It has only been reported that the IPL council might think of increasing number of overseas contestants in playing XI of the franchise.

“If the league is expanded, few tweaks in the rules and format will surely take place, but it is too early to discuss at this stage,” added the top official of BCCI in line with IPL developments in coming years.