Ravi Shastri Shares His Views On The Future Of The Indian T20 League
Ravi Shastri and Indian T20 League (Image Source: Twitter)
Indian T20 League is known as one of the biggest franchise T20 Leagues as star International players look to play every year. Recently, it created headlines when the media rights of this event went for a massive amount of money. Even, as per reports, this event is going to have an extended window in the next FTP cycle 2023-27.
Now, former India player, Ravi Shastri opened up on the potential expansion of this rich-vein event in the near future. Speaking on the latest episode of Vaughany and Tuffers Cricket Club Podcast, Shastri said that having two Indian T20 Leagues in a year will not be a surprise to him.
“The Indian T20 League can go in that direction.” – Ravi Shastri
Speaking on that podcast, the former India coach said that the competition can go in that direction. It will be great for the sport and the associates. He said: “I think you might have two (Indian T20 League) seasons. I wouldn’t be surprised at all. If bilateral cricket is reduced, you might well have a shorter format of the Indian T20 League in the latter half of the year, more like a World Cup format with a knockout that decides the winner. The full competition with 10 teams could go to 12 teams in the future with the schedule stretching from one-and-a-half to two months,”
He also termed this tournament an industry on its own. Shastri added: “All that is possible because it is driven by money and supply and demand. The demand is big for that type of format. The Indian T20 League will be tempted to go in that direction. It’s great for the sport, great for the players, broadcasters, and people who work around the teams. It’s (the Indian T20 League) industry on its own now.”
“I would be a little careful of the number of bilateral splits, especially in T20 cricket. There’s a lot of franchise cricket that can be encouraged, whichever country it’s in – India, West Indies, or Pakistan. You play fewer bilaterals and then you get together for the World Cups. So the emphasis on World Cup events has become paramount. Then people look forward to them.” Ravi Shastri concluded.
