The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to receive a massive boost. As per reports, IPL teams can now have the option to sign players with multi-team contracts. This means that players who represent teams in The Hundred can eventually play in another league with a team owned by the same franchise.
The discussions of multi-team contracts have opened up as the sales for the The Hundred teams continue. The next phase to bring up the investments is slated to begin on 18th October. In the meantime, IPL franchise owners have held conversations with the ECB, suggesting the multi-contract idea.
The Hundred have fallen down the pecking order when compared to other T20 Leagues in the country. The biggest example this year was the Major League Cricket (MLC). Aussie stars like Travis Head, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins opted to play in the USA while ditching The Hundred.
Talks continue on Multi-Team Contracts
For IPL sides, roping in players with multi-team contracts would be the icing on the cake. Mumbai Indians already have Trent Boult, Kagiso Rabada, and Rashid Khan in their teams in SA20 and MLC. As do Kolkata Knight Riders who have Sunil Narine on their roster in CPL, UAE20 League, and MLC along with their parent IPL side as well.
While discussions continue, the multi-team contract would surely now make The Hundred a lucrative league for the IPL teams to invest in and own. While players in The Hundred as acquired by the draft system and no multi-team contracts are allowed, the league can make changes in the future.
“We need to be able to ensure our best men and women players play and we can attract the best overseas players,” ECB chief executive Richard Gould told The Telegraph.