Jammu and Kashmir IPL team: IPL 2019 might witness a new franchise

Jammu and Kashmir IPL team: There are reports of a brand new IPL team entering the league in the upcoming season.

If reports are to be believed, the Northern most state of India in Jammu and Kashmir is likely to have their own IPL (Indian Premier League) franchise in the upcoming year or so. If that happens, it will become the ninth IPL franchise to enter the cash-rich tournament.

There had been news of the IPL management considering another (or two) team(s) for the upcoming seasons. However, Jammu and Kashmir’s name had never entered that possibility before.

Satya Pal Malik, Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has stated that the state is working closely with the Indian Premier League and its authorities to let this move finalise. Malik further added that he has spoken to IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla regarding this idea, along with propositions of the state hosting some games during the tournament.

At the launch of the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS)’ programme in Srinagar, Malik was quoted, “I am working with IPL Chairman Rajiv Shukla on the idea of having an IPL team for J&K. Very soon IPL matches will be played in J&K.”

If the idea comes to fruition, it is likely to mean a lot to the people of the state for they will have their own IPL franchise. Moreover, it is all in likeliness to create some additional opportunities for the local players and other businesses.

That being said, it is easier said than done because creating a new IPL franchise requires a high amount of considerations regarding various facets of the tournament. Moreover, North India already has a couple of franchises in Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils. A possibility of a third one might also affect their existing fan base. Till no confirmation is made, let us wait as to how this development holds out.

About the author

Dixit Bhargav

Born and brought up in Pathankot, Dixit Bhargav is an engineering and sports management graduate who works as a Cricket Editor at The SportsRush. Having written more than 10,000 articles across more than five years at TSR, his first cricketing memory dates back to 2002 when former India captain Sourav Ganguly had waved his jersey at the historic Lord’s balcony. What followed for an 8-year-old was an instant adulation for both Ganguly and the sport. The optimist in him is waiting for the day when Punjab Kings will win their maiden Indian Premier League title. When not watching cricket, he is mostly found in a cinema hall watching a Punjabi movie.

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