South Indian actor Mohanlal bidding for the ninth IPL team? | Courtesy: IPLT20.com
Key points
- BCCI seeks to include the ninth team in the 2021 IPL season
- South Indian actor Mohanlal is interested in buying the franchise
- The BCCI seeks to add another team to compensate for the losses suffered by the COVID-19 pandemic
It has not been long since reports emerged suggesting the intention of the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to include the ninth team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the 2021 season. But the names of possible bidders already have started to appear.
The IPL, which remains one of the BCCI’s most sought-after properties, has seen a great merger of the sports and entertainment industry over the years. The likes of Shah Rukh Khan and Preity Zinta already own franchises like Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab, but now, South Indian actor Mohanlal is rumored to be in the bidding war for the ninth IPL team that BCCI is looking to include for Season 2021.
The rumors first emerged after Mohanlal was seen at the stadium for the Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals match in the 2020 IPL final.
Shortly after the final, reports emerged from BCCI seeking to add another franchise to the 8-team tournament. According to the latest development on the matter, the Malayalam movie actor, as well as the online education portal BYJU, is said to be among the top contenders in the race for the ninth franchise.
It was previously assumed that Mohanlal’s visit to Dubai was part of a family vacation, but it was later reported that the “business proposal” was one of the reasons for the trip.
“So there is more than meets the eye in Mohanlal’s visit to Dubai for the IPL final. Mohanlal, along with BYJU, is rumored to be bidding for an IPL team. However, nothing official so far. “Read a tweet.
The BCCI is looking to add another team due to financial losses it incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2020 season. Franchise revenues have also dropped due to the virus, especially since the matches took place. in the United Arab Emirates.
Given that the 2021 IPL auction is also expected to be a ‘mega auction’, the additional franchise could really attract some good players in the bidding war.
