The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced on Thursday two new teams to the Indian Premier League, the world's richest T20 event, at its annual general body meeting.
The yearly tournament will now have 10 franchises from 2022, with officials hoping one year would be enough to address tricky issues around logistics, media rights and planning for these new outfits and the expanded competition.
"The General Body authorised the IPL (Indian Premier League) Governing Council to include up to ten teams... The IPL GC will work out the modalities regarding scheduling for up to 10 teams," the board said in a statement.
The IPL has an estimated brand value of $6.8 billion and some of the games this year drew more than 200 million viewers in India alone.
This season's edition was because of the coronavirus pandemic, and was finally held outside the country, in the United Arab Emirates.
A report, earlier this year, said the IPL's "business value" had been dented because of the outbreak.
The teams spend huge amounts to bring the world's best players for the tournament traditionally held between March and May.
India captain Virat Kohli is said to have earned $2.3 million playing 15 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Australia bowler Pat Cummins was the most expensive foreign player, costing Kolkata Knight Riders $2.1 million.
According to reports, Indian conglomerates Adani Group and RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, which entered Rising Pune Supergiant for two IPL seasons, have shown interest in the new teams