IPL 2022: 74 matches to be played from next season after addition of two new teams

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to add new teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) before next season. The T20 extravaganza will become a 10-team affair from 2022 and 74 matches are set to be played as well. This was revealed in a recent internal meeting at the BCCI headquarters. The board has invited the tenders for the new teams and the process is expected to be completed by October.

BCCI is looking to retain the competitive edge in the tournament with 10 teams having failed to do so last time when Kochi Tuskers and Pune Warriors were added. Also, the additional 14 matches will fetch more than Rs 800 crore for the board and the amount is likely to rise a lot after the current media rights deal ends in 2023.

10 teams to be divided into two groups

According to the Hindustan Times, BCCI is likely to revert to the much criticized formula of 74 matches in the IPL from next year. The move was criticised back in 2011 when 10 teams were divided into two groups. According to that format, all the teams will play 14 league matches. Each team from group A will play a home and away game with four other teams in their group.

The team will also play a home and away contest against one team from the other group and then play a game each against the four teams from the other group. If the current format continues even after the addition of two new teams, then a whopping 94 matches will have to be played in a season and there are fears of viewership going down due to too much cricket.

“We are not ready for 94 matches yet. Our broadcasters are not ready. There are issues around overseas player availability and finding a suitable window. We will consider a bigger window in future years,” a BCCI official said.

Also, to complete 94 matches in a season, BCCI will need a longer window which is clearly a luxury in today’s hectic schedule.