Indian Premier League set to expand in fourth season
The Indian Premier League has announced the addition of two new franchises for the 2011 edition of the Twenty20 competition.
It means the fourth season of the IPL will feature 10 teams, with the two new sides costing a minimum of US$225 million, more than double that paid for the most expensive franchise in the initial auction in 2008.
A fresh re-auction has been pencilled in for the second half of next year, with current franchises allowed to retain a few core members of their squad.
Board of Control for Cricket in India chairman Shri Shanshak Manohar endorsed the work done by Lalit Modi as the IPL chairman and commissioner, confirming that Modi would hold office through to 2012.
"There has to be some continuity and Mr Lalit Modi is doing an excellent job as IPL commissioner and chairman," he said.
"He has been appointed by the general body until 2012 and there is no reason and no power or authority with either of us to remove Mr Modi."
The auction for the upcoming season will take place on January 19, with a fresh purse of US$750,000 made available to each franchisee for the auction.
Following its enforced one-year stay in South Africa, the third edition of the IPL is set to return to India, commencing in Hyderabad on March 12, with 2009 champions the Deccan Chargers taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders.
