Franchises Look For Equal Footing In IPL Affairs

The Indian cricket board is in the middle of calling representatives of all the existing Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises sometime soon to discuss the way forward for the league, especially in the backdrop of the media rights renewal speculated to hit the roof.

In turn, the franchises - who've always been kept at an arm's length by the Board where the administration of the league is concerned - are waiting eagerly to know precisely as to what extent will the BCCI involve them in the affairs as the matter of rights renewal comes closer. The new revenue model of the IPL - once put in place - will allow its franchises to become more or less 50% stakeholders in the business of the league for the next 10 years, as per the arrangement that was inserted in the original Invitation To Tender that BCCI had brought out back in 2008 when the city-based teams first went on sale.

Informed sources told TOI on Sunday (September 11) that the new revenue model of the IPL specifically involving the franchises and the BCCI will work on the following lines: Close to 48% of the revenue generated from the renewal of rights will be distributed among the franchises over the next rights period while approximately 52% of that revenue will go to the BCCI.

Franchises - regardless of their annual PL - will have to additionally pay the BCCI 20% of the revenue they generate each season.

Until now, the BCCI has always kept the IPL franchises distanced from the league's own financial affairs. For instance, the existing contract between the BCCI and the franchises stipulates - not exactly in as many words - that the latter should at all times be kept informed on all financial dealings alongside all other stakeholders.