IPL draws up blueprint to accelerate growth of league

Mumbai, Oct 21 (UNI) The Indian Premier League (IPL) concluded a three day Franchisee workshop in Bangkok, aimed at devising a collaborative strategy to enhance the phenomenal successes of the league in Season Two.

The workshop, held recently, was attended by over 130 personnel associated with the league that reviewed, discussed and brainstormed on ideas and recommendations across a range of topics - including Player regulations, Commercial, Logistics, Hospitality, Ticketing, Licensing and Merchandising amongst others.

The workshop also included key learnings from the IPL Team, IMG and Media rights holders Sony TV and WSG, a release issued here today stated.

Commenting on the workshop B Vanchi, Director - GMR Sports said, ''The workshop was very professionally organised with lots of learnings for the franchisees. But perhaps most important from our perspective was the collaborative nature of the workshop which reflected a true partnering approach between the League and its franchisees.'' Lalit Modi, Chairman&Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League further added, ''I am very pleased that all the franchisees enthusiastically participated and shared their experiences, which laid the foundation to take the league to the next level in season two.

Highlights of the discussions held in Bangkok include finalisation of the following: Player regulations: The maximum number of international players in each squad has been increased from 8 to 10. However, the number of international players in the playing eleven would remain constant at 4.

Squads will not be allowed temporary replacements from 2009 onwards and all teams that had temporary replacements will have the first right to pick those players.

Player Trading Window&Auction: Trading of Players will be permitted between franchisees for the season 2009 onwards. The trading window for players has been set between December 15 to January 15, 2009.

The IPL will conduct an auction on February 6 2009 in Mumbai to bring new players into the league.

The Indian Premier League has relaxed the guidelines for commercial leverage for teams, providing them with more opportunities on-ground and in branding of teams. This will ensure that the franchisees have more opportunities to generate value for their own sponsors while not infringing on the rights of the central sponsors.

The success of the Indian Premier League has resulted in a requirement for stringent ambush protection guidelines, as brands have tried and will continue to try and leverage without having the rights. These guidelines will be ready and applicable for season two, the release added.

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