Overseas players in IPL playing XI should be increased: Official
What's the story
A BCCI official has suggested that five overseas players should feature in the starting XI instead of four in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 edition. A top official reckoned that several star overseas players end up warming the bench throughout the season which is not how it should be. Here are further details on the same.
IPL
A team can have only four foreigners in playing XI
Several teams have struggled to maintain quality in the squad with the Indian players at their disposal because of the restriction over foreign players' participation. Each squad is allowed to have eight overseas players in the roster, however, only four can be named in the playing XI. The just-concluded IPL saw several star performers such as Chris Lynn be benched for the entire tournament.
Quote
An added overseas player will balance things out
The official told an additional foreign player will balance teams. "There are quality overseas players who are warming the bench every season because of the restriction. An added overseas player will balance out that need," the official told The Times of India.
Report
IPL 2021 could have nine teams
Recently, a report in The Hindu stated that the BCCI is planning to have nine teams in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The report also added that there will also be a mega auction ahead of the 2021 season and the new IPL franchise is likely to be from Ahmedabad.
IPL 2021
Mega auction in place ahead of IPL 2021
It has been reported that the BCCI has indicated to the franchises about its intention to hold the mega auction. The motive behind the move to add a new team for BCCI is to attain financial balance amid the coronavirus pandemic and shutdown. Meanwhile, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had earlier hinted that the 2021 edition of the IPL will be held in India.
IPL 2020
Mumbai Indians claimed the IPL 2020 title
Mumbai Indians thrashed Delhi Capitals to win the rescheduled Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 title in UAE. The Rohit Sharma-led side has now won five IPL titles in total and a second in succession. Batting first, DC posted a below par total of 156/7. Trent Boult (3/30) was superb with the ball. In reply, MI raced past the target in style to emerge triumphant.