IPL 2022: Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh to own a new team?

There is no doubt that the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most prominent domestic Twenty20 (T20) tournament globally. While currently, eight teams compete (Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and SunRisers Hyderabad), a couple of new sides are expected to join from next season, in 2022.

The bidding process for the two new sides is already underway, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) having already floated tenders for it. The tender, worth ₹10 lakh, has been purchased by some of the top business houses in India and abroad. With overseas companies showing interest, it is clear that the IPL has become a global entity now.

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Among the Indian companies who have reportedly owned the documents are Adani Group, Torrent Pharma, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Jindal Steel. In contrast, 20-time English Premier League (EPL) winner Manchester United's owners, the Glazers, have also apparently shown interest in owning a side, as they too have purchased the bid documents.

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Meanwhile, according to a new report by Outlook India, Bollywood actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are also in the fray to own a side. Although initially, only a handful of companies showed interest in owning a side, the corporate war seems to be heating up as the deadline day approaches near. The BCCI is expected to conduct the principal bidding and announce the two new sides on Monday.

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As far as the two teams are concerned, it is likely to be Ahmedabad and Lucknow, who are currently the frontrunners, as per Newsable's sources. While initially, it was either of Adani Group, Torrent Pharma and the RP-Sanjeev Goenka group who were the favourites to win, it would not be the case now.

As far as Deepika and Ranveer are concerned, the latter is already the brand ambassador for the EPL and the National Basketball Association (NBA) in India. Meanwhile, a report relating to United's Glazers in March had suggested that their revenue has increased to £455 million. Although a source says that BCCI would prefer Indian owners, it might be compelled to change its mind if the bid is convincing enough.

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Considering the analysis of the bidding, an elimination round is expected to be held. The bids would be technically verified as per the BCCI's norms in the round. The ones that do not match the rules would be eliminated. Following the elimination, the qualified bids would be opened simultaneously, and the ones making the highest bids would be awarded the sides. Although the bids are expected to be around $375-425 million, BCCI could make between ₹3000-3500 crore per team.

• Ipl 2022