IPL10 may be done and dusted, but what's in store for the future?

The tenth edition of the IPL might be over but there is an ever growing concern regarding its future in the upcoming seasons. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL Governing Council will have to come out with a few important announcements in some time to answer the queries prevalent among the masses.

Some respite has been provided to the governing bodies, with Mumbai Indians winning the trophy this season instead of Rising Pune Supergiant, as the latter’s contract dissolved with the conclusion of IPL 2017. With this win, Mumbai would host the inaugural match and the finals instead of Pune, as RPS will not be included in the scheme of things next year.

Retention Policy

Over the last decade, featuring ten seasons of IPL, there have some iconic players who have represented each of the franchises and appeal to the city-based loyalty. Removing these marquee players from the team would prove to be detrimental for the fan base who relate with some of these players. For e.g. an RCB team without Virat Kohli donning the red or a Mumbai team without Rohit Sharma will not only be half their strength in terms of the team’s ability but also a turn down for the fans.

Gautam Gambhir has also been pivotal in KKR’s success and Shah Rukh Khan and co. would be in no mood to give away someone as passionate as Gambhir to any other franchise.

It is still not clear whether these icons would continue to lead the side for their respective franchises. When asked about it, a BCCI official went ahead to state that they are yet not certain about the next move. “Nothing has been decided. We still don’t know how to take the tournament forward,” quoted the official as per Mid-Day.

According to Lalit Modi’s plans for the league, all the players had to go under the hammer at the end of ten seasons. But looking at the current scenario it is highly unlikely that the BCCI and IPL GC would be ready to make such a drastic move. Further, hush-hush demands from the franchise owners regarding retention policy has only made matters more intricate as far as dealings with players are concerned.

The only feasible option under these circumstances is to allow each team to retain 5 players who they think form the core of the team with a cap of 2 for the overseas player and or give them a matching card for the players they want to hold on at the best bid placed in the auction.

Contract Hoopla

Indian Premier League post the 10th edition faces a lot of dilemma for the future especially due to the simultaneous termination of contracts in a variety of fields. VIVO’s association with IPL has terminated and the Governing Council will be launching a tender for title sponsorship bids. Also, Sony’s association with the cash-rich league has ended with the finals on Sunday and there won’t be any Extraa Innings T20 further if their contract is not renewed.

Event managers of the tournament for the past ten editions, IMG’s contract needs to be renewed for smooth conduct of operations for the league. The agency has been involved in conceptualising and executing the tournament since its inception. If they do not receive the rights in the next tender, it would be very difficult for the new firm into the high-octane atmosphere of the tournament.

Comeback of CSK and Rajasthan Royals

Everybody is by now aware of the fact that IPL heavyweights Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings will make a comeback after they were relegated after the 2015 edition. It is expected that the announcement will be made in a grand style. But their ban only lifts on the 25th of July and whenever they make the mega-launch, one has to ask what will be the procedure for them to signup players. Will they be able to draft in the players who previously played for them? Only the BCCI and time will answer.

Return of MSD in yellow?

Ultimately, the final question, Will MS Dhoni be seen back in his yellow jersey for the Chennai Super Kings. The question not only pertains to Dhoni but other iconic players of the franchise such as Suresh Raina, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and co. who have taken CSK to new heights. It is, however, certain that N Srinivasan will leave no stones unturned to buy back their quintessential players to obtain an optimal response from their fanbase.