When the BCCI is very much busy with interaction with all the IPL franchises in UAE so that the tournament protocols are set in place and Restrata, the UK based firm is continuing to build the biosecure bubble, one of the leading Indian Premier League franchise appears to be very much concerned with the losses that the teams are going to incur in the 13th edition of the league.
Even though it has been categorically stated by BCCI that it is not going to compensate for the losses of the franchises whatsoever because of the simple logic that all these losses are merely relative because of restraints due to Covid-19, a detailed presentation is to the board has been sent by the franchise as the financial losses per team are estimated at Rs. 46 crore for the given season. The said franchise has raised the question yet again whether the cost will be borne entirely by the franchises or by IPL.
The administrators and senior office-bearers of the board fumed and said that the franchises are foolish penny-wise and pound. Had there been no IPL this year they would not have made any money. More random questions are raised by them like who are going to be the cost-bearers for the operations of the match. They also asked who is going to compensate for the costs for the practice sessions to be hosted.
The franchisees want to know whether IPL is going to reconsider its current stance on reducing the playoff standing payment by 50% to the top four teams. The board members told the media outlets that the demands are absurd. The franchises are counting pennies at a time when they must think giving back something to the COVID victims of the country. Are they not making good money out of IPL? Every franchise is going to earn around RS. 150 crore, for this season in IPL.
According to one state association member, said that they know from where it is cropping up and it is not instigated by the franchises. An individual from the board is instigating the whole thing for personal reasons. These are very unfortunate things that are happening.
Another question is raised by the franchise to BCCI for the same presentation. What are several friends and families that can be brought by the owners to watch the games? What are the protocols that have to be followed by the owners and the family members for easy access to the players?
It is said by a top-notch BCCI official reacting to such questions that COVID is not going to act differently to support staff and owners and their friends.
A copy of the questionnaire has been sent to BCCI and the number of questions is endless.
To kick off proceedings with the first ball, there are 19 days to go and most of these questions will be conveyed to the franchises to BCCI as it is working on another circular. The board has said that the franchises have to do one simple thing to stay within the bubble. They need to make their preparations and follow the protocols for the tournament.
