Anshuman Gaekwad
Anshuman Gaekwad. Image-DNA

Former India cricketer, Anshuman Gaekwad opines that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will be able to manage a 10 team IPL season despite the challenges posed by a restricted window given by the ICC.

The BCCI has approved the inclusion of up to two new teams at its 89th Annual General Meeting on December 24 expanding the tournament from 8 to 10 teams for IPL 2022.

It won’t be the first time that 10 teams will participate in the cash-rich league. In 2011 two new teams – Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Pune Warriors – were added, both are now defunct. The number of matches was increased from 60 to 74.

Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians. (Image Credit: Twitter)

There is a very small window given by ICC: Anshuman Gaekwad

However, now, with a packed schedule for the international teams, it is unlikely that the BCCI could stage so many games given the FTPs for the teams are planned well in advance.

Anshuman Gaekwad, who played 55 internationals for India, points out that the ICC has given only a small window to the BCCI for the completion of the IPL, and it will be a big challenge logistically in the covid era, and mathematically as well to distribute games amongst 10 teams in almost the same amount of days as for 8 teams.

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However, the former batsman is optimistic that the Sourav Ganguly-led panel will or may have even figured it out, and that after only they have taken the decision to add 1 or 2 teams from next season.

BCCI Will Adjust The IPL Window For 10 Teams, Says Anshuman Gaekwad
BCCI. Image-PTI.

“It will all get adjusted. Everything is worked out well. Unless you do your homework, you cannot think that there will be eight teams, ten teams. You have a very small window, which is given by ICC. You cannot get more days to expand your tournament. So expand your teams but manage in that particular slot. Unless it is worked out, you cannot think of adding teams. I am sure, it has been worked out,” Anshuman Gaekwad told Sportskeeda.

The 68-year-old former India coach is also positive that the IPL 2021 will be staged in India itself – unlike last year when rising covid cases forced the tournament to UAE. However, he asserts that the safety and health of players and spectators should be the first priority.

“Why not (hosting IPL in India). But look at the recent surge (of COVID). And you don’t want to anything risking lives. That’s the foremost thing,” he added.

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