The BCCI is upbeat about the prospects of IPL 2021 after the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League was held in grand style in the UAE without any mishaps amidst the coronavirus pandemic. There are reports that BCCI president Sourav Ganguly has hinted to the franchises to prepare for a mega-auction which could take place in early 2021. A couple of days ago, there was a report in The Hindu that a ninth team could be included in IPL 2021 as the BCCI looks to recover the losses that it incurred while hosting IPL 2020 in UAE. The ninth team could be based in Gujarat.
However, there are now speculations that the ninth team could have some big names bidding for it. Gautam Adani, one of the top business tycoons in the country, could be the top contender to buy this team but it has now emerged that south superstar Mohanlal and Bollywood hero Salman Khan might also be interested in bidding for the ninth team.
Mohanlal was spotted at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as one of the VIP guests during the IPL 2020 final between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. His presence at the stadium saw social media going into a meltdown. On the other hand, Salman Khan already owns the Celebrity Cricket League apart from other ventures in Bollywood.
Bollywood’s high presence in IPL
Bollywood already has a big presence in the IPL. Shah Rukh Khan and Juhi Chawla are one of the co-owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise while Preity Zinta is one of the owners of the Kings XI Punjab franchise. South superstar Venkatesh is one of the most prominent figures to keep cheering for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The report of Mohanlal reportedly interested in buying the ninth team could indicate that the BCCI might once again be interested in floating a team from Kerala. In 2011, there was a team from Kerala called the Kochi Tuskers Kerala outfit that did not make much of an impression. When it comes to Gujarat, the Gujarat Lions team, which was owned by Intex Technologies was part of IPL 2016 and 2017 during the two years in which Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were banned.
The speculations of Gujarat being the ninth team have increased in the last couple of days, with Motera already having a capacity of over 100,000 and with Sourav Ganguly adamant that IPL 2021 will be held in India during the April to May period.
