IPL franchises might play friendly matches: The Indian Premier League franchises might indulge in the new ploy to reach out to more fans.
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In a bid to promote the Indian Premier League in novel territories, defending Champions Mumbai Indians had suggested in the past that the franchises should play friendly matches outside of India.
“The team would have headed to the US and also played a few games with local teams so as to attract cricket lovers in the region and get them up close and personal with their favourite stars. In fact, MI was also keen to share any revenue earned in the process. The IPL clause says that if you as a franchise play outside of the tournament, any revenue earned is to be shared.
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“MI had no problem with that as the idea was to take the game to more homes and increase the fan base. MI even asked the CoA to provide the window as per their suitability. Playing local matches would popularise the sport as we all know that cricket is not followed much there and also, there are many Indians there and the franchise wanted to go and experiment and see how they can give back to the game,” a source in the know how of the franchise was quoted as saying by Outlook India.
IPL franchises might play friendly matches
While CoA (Committee of Administrators) didn’t allow the same to happen in the past, there is a possibility of the same happening before IPL 2020. The suggestion is expected to be shared in the Governing Council Meeting slated to happen today.
If reports are to be believed, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, SunRisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals are all ready to tour abroad to play friendly matches.
As far as availability of national players are concerned, franchises are looking forward to play these practice matches without their main players who are most likely to be involved in their respective national duties.
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As recent as yesterday, there were reports of BCCI planning to include the “Power Player” rule from IPL 2020 to potentially “change the game”.
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