With BCCI terminating Champions League last year, the franchises had to rely on only IPL to keep their fan base With BCCI terminating Champions League last year, the franchises had to rely on only IPL to keep their fan base

With Champions League scrapped and the September window open for Indian cricket, Indian Premier League’s well known franchise Mumbai Indians is planning to play three games with associate countries in United States of America post India’s tour of West Indies.

A few years ago the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had approved a proposal where IPL franchises were allowed to play a limited number of friendly matches in ICC Associate and Affiliate countries between June and August.

India is touring West Indies for four tests match series starting from July 21 to August 22. A top BCCI official said that Mumbai Indians have informed them about US trip unofficially and that once all there planning is done, they will formally inform BCCI about it. Mumbai Indians failed to qualify for IPL play offs this season.

“The BCCI allows franchises to play three games with associates countries. It builds a fan base outside India. IPL has grown big over the years and we have not only followers in India but abroad too. The recent reports have clearly stated that fastest growing league in the world is IPL. There is no harm if any franchise plays outside India,” a top BCCI official told The Indian Express.

With BCCI terminating Champions League last year, the franchises had to rely on only IPL to keep their fan base. The more matches a team plays, the longer franchise can hold the interest in the fans. And this is a win-win situation for Mumbai Indians.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest Sports News, download Indian Express App.