The Indian Premiere League (IPL) is the biggest cricket league in the world. It is also the most competitive league as well, take the recently concluded IPL 2020 for example, last ball finishes, super overs, low-scoring encounters and what not? To make it better, recent reports suggest that there is going to be a 9th team in IPL 2021. As reported prior to IPL 2020, the upcoming mega auction is likely to see the addition of a ninth team. News reports have claimed that the ninth team will be from Ahmedabad, with the Sardar Patel Stadium as their home ground, and also that some big business houses are keen on buying the new franchise.
Unconfirmed reports stated that Adani Group, owned by Gautam Adani, could be among the front-runners. However, there has been no further update on the same. Gujarat was earlier represented by Gujarat Lions in the IPL, replacing the suspended Chennai Super Kings. But, the franchise was in existence for two years only before CSK came back into the league. Another unconfirmed report states that Kerala actor Mohanlal might own the 9th team as there’s a likelihood that the 9th team might be from Kerala. In a report by The Hindu, the BCCI hierarchy has informally indicated to the IPL franchises that a full auction will be scheduled early next year and they would be a 9th team, with an eye on the IPL’s possible return to India, after the 2020 edition was moved to the UAE because of the pandemic.
Another report added that the ninth team will be from Ahmedabad and a corporate house is very keen on making the new Sardar Patel Stadium as its home ground. If COVID-19 hadn’t had a massive say, the auction was scheduled to be held in December this year. But, with the pandemic throwing off all schedules, the auction is not likely to be held before next year. Teams will have to compromise on brand value which is built on their star players,” said another franchise official. BCCI is yet to come up with an official confirmation on the IPL 2021 mega auction. A 9th team in 2021 would however make the most competitive league even more competitive.