Gilchrist says BCCI has caused franchise insecurity

Former Australia cricketer and captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Deccan Chargers, Adam Gilchrist, has said the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has created insecurity among the league’s franchises following the expulsion of Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.

The two teams were thrown out by the BCCI because of issues over ownership, but Gilchrist has said the decision could harm the league.

He said: “It does have an impact on the IPL, the brand and overall competition in general. No doubt it came as a surprise. I hope there is still scope for discussion between the franchisees and the BCCI. Hopefully they will stay in the competition.

“There is a need to maintain value and integrity which has so far been so successful for the venture. There have been some negatives. If people sit down there’s an opportunity for everyone – business, players and spectators – as long as none of them get greedy. Hopefully, there is still a way for a compromise.

“There will be a ripple effect. I read with interest, comments of few others franchisee owners regarding this issue. It does create a feeling of insecurity. It just needs to be well managed, well administered. There is an interest on what exactly happened.”