IPL adds two more teams and new rules for 2011

Two new teams, four fielding substitutes instead of the lone 12th man, pink balls in practice matches and abolishing the Icon player status are some of the innovations which the Indian Premier League would embrace from its 2011 edition.

From next year onwards, IPL would also be played under the supervision of the ICC Anti Corruption and Security Unit, while players who skip the tournament despite not having any national assignment might have their contracts terminated, organisers of the event said in a statement.

The recent three-day franchisee workshop in Bangkok had threadbare discussions on player regulations, commercial aspects, logistics, hospitality, ticketing, licensing and merchandising.

"I am certain now that we are poised to bring a significantly enhanced IPL experience back home to the Indian fans in season 2010," IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi said.

It has been decided that teams would be allowed four fielding substitutes, rather than the lone 12th man.

Any ball bowled above waist height, regardless of the speed, will be declared a no-ball, while pink balls would be used in practice matches.

Apart from availing ACSU service, IPL will follow the BCCI Anti-Doping policy for season 2010.

Another issue that the IPL Governing Council plans to take up is non-availability of players after signing of contracts.

"Measures discussed revolved around the initiation of stringent action including termination of player contracts and barring from future participation in the IPL, of players that have signed contracts, but fail to make themselves available for playing in the IPL," the organisers said.

"It was agreed that in the event any of the Member Boards not issuing an NOC to their players for participation in the IPL - on pretext of domestic engagements - IPL could make a representation to the Governing Council of the Champions League for taking appropriate action against the members boards participation in the League," the organisers said.

On the decision to expand the league, they said, "A discussion for the addition of two new franchises in Season 4 was held with the same being adopted with 7 of the 8 Franchises being in favour of increasing the number of Teams to 10."

Among other things, it was finalised that trading of players will be permitted between franchisees for the season 2010 onwards.

Meanwhile, Pakistani players' participation will have to be confirmed by their Cricket Board through an NOC and clearance from their government.

On January 19 next year, IPL would conduct an auction, adding new players into the league and a fresh purse of $750,000 will be available to each franchisee.

The League will also have a cap on the maximum players in a squad while all franchises agreed to do away with the Icon Player status.