The introduction of a ‘draft system’ to slot the top five players from each of the two suspended teams by BCCI is mulling for the two prospective IPL teams.

BCCI, The Indian cricket board, who suspended Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals teams from Indian Premier League,  Starting mulling the draft system over marquee names of CSK and RR. The top five players from each of the two suspended teams like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, R Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane.

According to BCCI sources, the board has informally discussed the draft system as one of the options to settle the issue of teams picking up desired these players. Sources said the rest of the players from the suspended franchises will go into the auction pool. The board is of the opinion that there should be no grudge-match among the two new franchises over the selection of a top player like Dhoni.

To attract more bidders for the two new proposed IPL teams for a two-year period, a certain section within the board is also in favour of giving the teams a minimum profit guarantee of at least Rs 10 crore. Incidentally, the current regime isn’t in favour of a 10-team IPL from the 2018 season. “In all likelihood, it could remain an eight-team affair,” a source added.

If the 2018 IPL is to be an eight-team affair, it will be interesting to see what happens then to the top cricketers from RR and CSK. Source said IPL GC members have already suggested that every IPL team be allowed to retain at least two Indians and two foreigners before the big auction for the 2018 season.

Source : BLR Eagle