Adhering to the recommendations made by the Supreme Court appointed Justice Lodha committee, BCCI on Sunday suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals from the Indian Premier League for two years. The board will begin bidding for two new franchises for 2016 and 2017 IPL.
The committee said its ruling was based on disciplinary grounds, on behalf of the BCCI.
The senior officials have confirmed to The Times of India that both the teams will not be terminated and would return in 2018. However, one source refused and said, “Wait and watch, anything can happen under Shashank’s (Manohar) regime.”
The board has allowed the bidders to opt for any cities across the country. The financial models under which the new franchises will be allowed are still being discussed. And the board is trying to make it as attractive as possible for the new bidders, said a source to TOI.
The new teams will only be allowed for two years. A source told Times of India, “In 2018, the IPL broadcast rights will come up for renewal. We don’t know what kind of bidding will be at play — $2b, $3b or more. In this interim period, a two-year window for any potential investor can turn out to be a great marketing initiative.”