MI, RCB and RPS to play exhibition games in the US

A few years ago the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had approved a proposal where IPL franchises were allowed to play a limited number of friendly matches in ICC Associate and Affiliate countries. The BCCI allows franchises to play three games with associate countries which will help to build a fan base outside India. BCCI had discontinued the Champions League T20 last year, thus, the franchises had to completely rely on IPL to keep their fan base alive.

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According to reports Mumbai Indians (MI), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) have expressed their desire to play some exhibition matches in the US where there is a sizeable Indian and South Asian population.

“The matter is expected to be discussed at the IPL Governing Council in Bengaluru before the start of the final match tomorrow. The venue is tentatively Houston,” a senior BCCI official told PTI on Saturday.

When queried about whether the matches would be in September, the official said – “However the dates need to be chalked out. Earlier, it was being discussed it would happen in the window available between India’s tour of Zimbabwe and West Indies. But it could now be held in September also. All three teams are expected to play against each other. Obviously, major attractions will be Kohli and Dhoni.”

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“Houston is one centre that has been zeroed in as it having multiple centers will be a case of the logistical nightmare for a short trip of exhibition matches,” he added.

It is an opportunity for BCCI to test the US market where they are planning for a mini IPL next year. “In the US, T20 is the only game that can be marketed because of its duration. If we have to squeeze in a Mini-IPL next year, this is the time to send the popular franchises like MI, RCB and check what’s response of NRIs and Indian Diaspora.”

“If the response is good, we can think about expansion. We can also harbor hopes that sponsorship market in the US will open up,” he concludes.