In 2022, the Indian Premier League is expected to expand by at least two teams, taking the tally of IPL teams to 10. In such a circumstance, several rule changes are likely to be introduced ahead of the Mega Auction in 2022.
The cash-rich league currently allows four overseas players in the starting XI for a team. As a result of this, quite often, superstars and quality overseas players find themselves restricted to the bench, unable to influence matters on the pitch.
Former Indian batsman and cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar recently voiced his opinion on the matter while speaking to ESPNCricinfo. Manjrekar is of the opinion that if the IPL expands to include 10 teams, the rules should allow each team to field five overseas players in the starting lineup.
“If IPL is going with 10 teams then you got to have five foreign players per side. Despite that, you will have 10 Indian players playing in the XI. They are a lot of Indian players,” he said.
He believes that at least 60 Indian cricketers can take the field in IPL 2022 with an average of six Indian players per team. Currently, at least 56 Indian cricketers can make an appearance in the IPL with an average of seven players per side.
“I don’t think it will be a pressure that organisers feel that this is an Indian Premier League and got to have more and more Indian players and less foreign players. 60 is plenty,” he added.
Sanjay Manjrekar also mentioned that in the past only a handful of cricketers consistently played at the highest level. Therefore, the current generation of players are better exposed to the challenges and demands of international cricket.
“When there was no IPL, T20, or 50-over cricket, only 13-14 players in the 70s or 80s played at the highest level and that’s where you got the cream of Indian players playing.
“You already have plenty of Indian players and it is a shame to see some quality foreign players sitting out only because they can’t play more than four. So even if we go five foreign players, plenty of Indian players will get the opportunity,” Manjrekar concluded.
