The Indian Premier League (IPL) is by far the most popular T20 cricket league across the globe. All the 8 franchises have a die-hard fan base not only in India, but outside India as well.
This is the reason why the IPL franchises are eager to play friendly matches in the United States and develop a new market for themselves.
If the reports are to be believed, the Mumbai Indians, the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Sunrisers Hyderabad have already proposed their idea to the BCCI and are looking forward to it being discussed in the upcoming IPL governing council meeting.
Idea is to promote cricket globally
The idea behind a friendly game in the US is not only to expand the market of the franchise, but to globalize the brand IPL as well. The IPL franchises had sought permission regarding this from the CoA previously, but the CoA had turned the proposal down.
“The team would head to the US and also play a few games with local teams so as to attract cricket lovers in the region and get them up close and personal with their favorite stars. In fact, MI was also keen to share any revenue earned in the process.”, a BCCI source was quoted saying by Outlook India.
“The IPL clause says that if you as a franchise play outside of the tournament, any revenue earned is to be shared”, the source added.
Looking at the hectic schedule of the Indian team, it remains to be seen whether the big Indian players would be available to play the friendly matches for their franchises.
The franchises, however, are not worried as they would have international players available from other countries, if the Indian internationals are not available.
This friendly match program of the IPL franchises is a bit like the friendly matches played by the European Football clubs before they start their season.
