BCCI must consider off-season overseas matches for IPL teams to make it bigger: Ness Wadia

Indian Premier League (IPL) is considered one of the biggest T20 extravaganzas across the world where various world-class players step up to make it a mega affair. Talking in the same line of events, Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia stated that BCCI should look forward to allowing teams to play some off-season games overseas.

IPL is already a great brand across the world and after fetching in two new teams for the next season, its value has further shot up. Wadia feels that BCCI must think of having some off-season games in the places where there is a large Indian audience.

“The BCCI must consider having off-season matches to be held in places where there is a big Indian diaspora. That will grow the IPL even more. A bunch of three or five games in the off-season based on player availability. Hypothetically, allow the top four franchisees every year to play a few games in, for example, Miami or in Toronto or in Singapore. It will only strengthen what already is a strong product,” said Wadia as quoted by the New Indian Express.

I don’t think the numbers are mindboggling: Ness Wadia

Bidding for two new teams fetched IPL more than USD 1.5 billion which even attracted the bid from Manchester United owners. However, the final bids were won by RPSG Group and CVC Capitals partners, owners of Lucknow and Ahmedabad franchise. Reflecting on his opinion on the price tag of 1.5 billion, Wadia added that IPL is finally getting its dues and it has taken 14 years to reach where the league deserves too.

“I don’t think the numbers are mindboggling. Sport is big business now. It is a good investment. The league truly deserves it. These are serious businessmen we are talking about. They invest in things with a purpose. It has taken us 14 years to reach where the league deserves to be. I am happy that it has finally happened,” he added.

IPL 2022 is all set to have a mega auction ahead of it where teams will have a different set of players apart from core names.