IPL 2011 witnessed 10 teams fighting for glory.
The Cricket Control Board in India (BCCI) everything is ready to approve the incorporation of two new teams in the next season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Approval will reportedly be given at the board’s Annual General Meeting scheduled for December 24. This is not the first time that the IPL will have 10 teams battling for glory.
In 2011, 10 teams participated in the season, while in the following two editions of the T20 show, nine teams participated. And now that the BCCI will likely approve two new teams, the 2021 IPL will also have 10 teams. Previously, it was reported that only one team will be added before next season, while the 10th franchise will be added the following season.
However, the franchises were reportedly not happy about this, as in that case two mega auctions would have taken place. Meanwhile, the addition of two new teams will bring a number of changes to the upcoming IPL season.
What will be the format of IPL 2021?
Currently, the eight participating teams meet twice in a free-for-all format, making it 14 league stage games before the top four teams reach the playoffs. However, this number will reach 18 after two teams are added, which could lead to a lengthy IPL season and many games.
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But according to Times of India, there will be a change in format at IPL 2021 and organizers are considering going back to the one used in 2011. According to the format in 2011, 10 teams will be divided into two groups of five. with all teams playing 14 matches only in the league stages: facing the other four teams in their group twice (home game and away game), facing four teams in the other group once and then the remaining team twice.
A random lottery was used to determine the groups and select which team plays against the other once or twice. The format seemed complicated but it saved BCCI a lot of time at the time.
