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The Indian Premier League (IPL) could be heading towards another major expansion. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering adding two new franchises from the 2028 season. If the proposal gets approval, the number of teams in the world's biggest T20 league could increase from 10 to 12.
According to a report by Mint, Pune and Vadodara have emerged as potential cities for the proposed franchises. However, discussions are still at an early stage, and the BCCI has not made any official announcement regarding the expansion.
IPL 2028 Expansion: BCCI Plans to Add Two New Teams
The discussion about expanding the IPL has emerged ahead of the IPL 2027 auction. All 10 existing franchises are currently preparing their player retention lists, with November 17 set as the submission deadline.
According to the Mint report, the BCCI is exploring the possibility of introducing at least two new franchises from the 2028 season.
The proposed expansion could take place during the next IPL media rights cycle, covering the 2028–2032 period. However, the final decision regarding the number of teams and the expansion timeline is yet to be announced.
Pune and Vadodara May Get New IPL Franchises
Pune and Vadodara are reportedly among the potential cities being considered for the two new IPL teams.
However, the selection process has not been finalised. The cities currently under discussion could also change depending on the BCCI's plans and commercial considerations.
If Pune gets another IPL franchise, it would mark the return of the tournament to a city that has previously hosted two teams. Vadodara, meanwhile, could become another important destination for IPL cricket.
IPL's New Teams Could Be Worth Over $1 Billion Each
The growing commercial value of the IPL has attracted interest from major domestic and international investors.
According to the report, each proposed franchise could have a valuation of more than $1 billion, highlighting the increasing financial potential of the tournament.
Potential investors reportedly include private equity firm Permira, sovereign wealth funds from West Asia, US-based family offices, government-backed investment institutions from Asia and major Indian business groups.
Several high-net-worth individuals are also reportedly exploring opportunities to invest in the proposed franchises. Some investors are interested in purchasing partial ownership rather than acquiring entire teams.
Pune's IPL History: Two Franchises Have Previously Played Here
Pune is not a new destination for IPL cricket. The city has previously hosted two franchises during different seasons.
1. Pune Warriors India (2011–2013): Owned by the Sahara Group, Pune Warriors India participated in the IPL for three seasons, from 2011 to 2013.
2. Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017): Rising Pune Supergiant represented Pune during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The franchise participated in the tournament during the suspension of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals.
If Pune gets a new franchise for IPL 2028, the city could once again become a major destination for the tournament.
IPL Expansion History: How the League Grew From 8 to 10 Teams
The IPL started in 2008 with eight franchises. The tournament continued with eight teams until the 2021 season.
In 2022, the league expanded with the addition of two new franchises:
Gujarat Titans (GT)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Their entry increased the total number of IPL teams from eight to 10.
Now, the possibility of adding two more franchises could take the competition to another level, with 12 teams potentially participating from 2028.
IPL 2027: Full List of All 10 Participating Teams
The following 10 franchises are expected to participate in the IPL 2027 season:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Will IPL 2028 Feature 12 Teams? BCCI's Final Decision Awaited
If the BCCI approves the proposed expansion, IPL 2028 could feature 12 franchises instead of the current 10. Pune and Vadodara are among the potential destinations being discussed for the new teams.
However, the proposal is still at an early stage. The BCCI has not officially confirmed the expansion, selected the new cities or announced potential franchise owners.
Cricket fans will have to wait for an official announcement to find out whether two new teams will join the IPL from 2028.
Also Read: IPL 2027 in January? Juhi Chawla Backs Big Schedule Change
