Xtra Time Web Desk: Ahmedabad is all set to be included as the ninth team in the next edition of Indian Premier League (IPL 2021). The decision to include one or two teams will be taken in the 89th Annual General Meeting of the BCCI on December 24. Among the several agendas, the two major points to come up for discussion is the introduction of two new teams in IPL 2021 and inclusion of cricket in Olympics.
As per reports the city of Ahmedabad is almost certain to be included in the IPL roaster from the next edition. The names of Lucknow / Kanpur, Pune will also come for discussion if the BCCI AGM decides to increase more than 1 team for IPL 2021 or IPL 2022. Adani Group owned by Gautam Adani and RPSG owned by Sanjeev Goenka will be the biggest contenders for the 9th IPL team. Adani’s in past have openly declared their interest in owning the IPL team. With Ahmedabad now boasting of the biggest cricket stadium in the country, their interest will grow manifolds.
Goenka had already owned an IPL team in the past as an owner of Rising Pune Supergiants for two years and will surely throw their hat in the ring when BCCI comes out with tender. Other than Adani and Goenka – South India’s top actor Mohanlal along with one of the big business house based out of Southern India is reportedly interested in owing the IPL team. He was recently seen in IPL 2020 in UAE hobnobbing with BCCI officials.
The BCCI is yet to officially announce how and when the tenders for the new team will be released. In case BCCI goes ahead with their plans, they will also have to have to prepare themselves for the Mega-Auctions (Full-fledged player auctions) for IPL 2021.