If everything goes according to plan, we might see one or two teams from the Indian Premier League playing in the next edition of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, confirmed chairman and founder Shaji Ul Mulk to The Quint.
The third edition of the T10 League concluded on Sunday in Abu Dhabi, with the Maratha Arabians, led by Dwayne Bravo, crowned champions.
Initially started as a six-team competition in 2017, last edition of the competition saw it expanding to eight teams. Shaji confirmed that no such plans are in place for next editions, but conditions apply.
“Last edition, we increased the number of team from six to eight. We have no plans of expanding next year. But this can change because two IPL teams want to join the league next year. I would not like to name them.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
“Even if only one IPL team joins, we will make it a nine-team or ten-team competition,” Shaji confirmed.
Shaji refused to divulge any details about the IPL teams but said that both sides wanted to be part of the T10 League this time around, but logistical delay didn’t allow the development.
“The two teams wanted to play in this edition of the competition but due to time constraint and some logistics that didn’t materialise. Because in case of an IPL team big branding, publicity is involved,” said Shaji
“We are hopeful that they will join us next year. The talks are in the final stage. This year it was a late decision.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
According to the chairman and founder, talks were taking place since September, but it was only in October when it entered the final stage.
Participation of an IPL team might need a go ahead from the parent body BCCI, but Shaji thinks otherwise.
“I don’t think so we need any kind of permission from BCCI. Just like, Shah Rukh Khan has a team in the Caribbean Premier League – Tribago Knight Riders, it would be like that,” said the T10 founder.
“So, the team will have a new name and join the league. But the owners will be same, so will be the team management. “Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
Apart from the team name, the squad will also see new players since the new team or teams will have to participate in the team draft, ahead of the next edition.
“There might be players in the side who already play for a team in the T10 League. The teams are allowed to retain five players, so there might be a conflict. The new team will need to participate in the team draft,” Shaji explained.
Despite the absence of big names from Pakistan cricket, this edition of the T10 league saw better revenue and better sponsors compared to previous two years.
“Very big mistake that Pakistan players make a very big impact in the T10 League. Last year we had 8 Pakistan players in the league this time we had 14 but unfortunately, they couldn’t be part of the league. But it has hardly impacted the league. As you can see, we are growing,” Shaji said.
This year the T10 league saw a change of venue. In 2018, the competition was held in Sharjah – the oldest home of cricket in the Emirates. But this year it again returned to Abu Dhabi after the first edition 2017.
The biggest problem for cricket fans in the capital of UAE is the location of the stadium. While Sharjah has its cricket stadium in the city, in Abu Dhabi it is located quite far from the city.
“Last time the venue was in Sharjah. The advantage with Sharjah stadium is that it is in the city, so it was very convenient for the fans to come for the matches. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi the stadium is outside the city. The numbers from this edition have shown that we are doing better number than Sharjah. Better revenues, better sponsors,” Shaji said.
Talking about the future of the league, Shaji aspires to have a Formula One like format, with the shortest format reaching different corners of the world.
“These first three years were very crucial to establish a property. Now everybody is talking about it,” said Shaji.
“Our plans for T10 is very clear. Whether two years, three years or ten years, we want to have set up like Formula One, with circuits all around the world. We want T10 to reach different corners of the world,” Shaji added.
The T10 management are already in talks with different boards and are planning to take the competition to another Asian city or somewhere in Europe in the future.
“Next year we will try to host in at least two different location. One edition in Abu Dhabi and the other one somewhere in Europe or may be in Asia. This is an ongoing conversation now. We want to increase venues with every passing year.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
When asked about plans of bring the T10 concept to India, Shaji was quick to say that the onus was on BCCI.
“You have to ask BCCI about it. We want to implement T10 in India as format if possible, in the junior level or at the state level.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
Downplaying any threat to the shortest format of the game from the upcoming The Hundred next year, Shaji said until and unless anything is happening in the UAE, there is no reason to lose sleep.
“There is never any competition among formats, competition is among the territories. The Hundred will be competition to different formats in England. Commercially also there is no competition. Like when T20 was introduced, ODI never faced any threat,” said Shaji.
“Different formats are never a competition. It is in England and will comprise 100 balls, there is absolutely no problem,” Shaji added.
“But we will stop anyone who tries to host a franchisee-based T10 tournament in UAE. In fact, we have already stopped many in the past.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
The founder of the T10 format said that it would be a matter of immense pride if ICC adopts the format internationally.
“If ICC adopts this format it will be a big honour for us. ICC will only hold bilateral series. So, that’s not a problem. We always want promotion of this format, so only way this format can go international is if countries start playing it.”Shaji Ul Mulk, founder and chairman, T10 League
When asked what to expect from the next edition of the T10 League, Shaji there can’t a bigger or better news than IPL teams joining the league but he also highlighted some other changes in the format that can be expected.
“If the IPL team comes that will be biggest news next season. Apart from that we are planning that we will take this league from 29 matches to 50 matches and instead of 10 days it will be of 15 days. It will be a double round thing,” Shaji concluded.
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