After IPL, BCCI planning to launch franchise based T10 league, exploring Sept-OCT window: Reports

After major success of IPL and with an aim to boost Tier-2 cricket league, BCCI is planning to introduce franchise based T10 league which is the shortest format of the game. As per the reports in moneycontrol.com, BCCI working on a blueprint for the proposed league, and stakeholders, including potential sponsors have agreed to the idea. The board has identified a window between September and October to slot the new cricket league.

IPL setting a benchmark for new leagues

With its fast-paced T20 style, the IPL increased cricket's popularity in 2008. In addition to attracting top players to India, the IPL developed a devoted fan following and brought a significant amount of money for the board through sponsorships and television rights. Due to its popularity, other countries launched franchise based tournaments such as BBL, CPL, PSL and many more and that led to increasing the game's appeal on a global scale.

BCCI mulling over several issues related to T10 league

Ahead of introducing the shortest format of Cricket, BCCI is mulling over a few important points and that are:-

• Should the league have an age cap for the players so that the new property doesn’t eat into the popularity of the IPL?

• Should the franchises for this new league be sold through a separate tender process or can the existing IPL franchises be given the right of first refusal?

• Should the proposed tournament be played in India or have a new venue every year?

If BCCI plans to go ahead with a plan to launch franchise based T10 league then it has to take note of few of the major points of IPL that led to grand success of world's most valuable cricket league and that are:

1. IPL offers Indian prime-time cricket fans something no other cricket property does.
2. Top white-ball players take part in the IPL from arond the globe.
3. Corporate India is eager to spend heavily on the league at various levels, ensuring the league's core revenue model is maintained.

England a roadblock for BCCI?

The cricket board that can possibly challenge BCCI's decision to conduct T10 league in SEP-OCT window is England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) because these months allow ECB to conduct various cricket tournaments smoothly.