IPL 2021: BCCI to conduct IPL 2021 on its own, terminates contract with event partners IMG

January 8, 2021

IPL 2021 – BCCI terminates contact with event partners IMG: The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021) will no more be managed by the International Management Group (IMG) now owned by Endeavor. BCCI has decided to terminate its relationship with UK based sports events company IMG. The global sporting giant IMG has been managing IPL since its inception but the Indian cricket board has decided to move on.

It is worth noting that after completion of first 10 years of relationship, BCCI had signed a new contract with IMG in 2017 for 5 years. But board according to a report by TOI has decided to terminate their relationship with IMG.

“The BCCI has, over the years, gained rich experience in running the league and is well-equipped to put in place a world class team to run the show. Right now, all we can say is that the partnership with IMG has run its course,” TOI quoted top sources.

What led to sudden termination of the contract by BCCI?

According to the information coming in from BCCI sources that voices were being raised continuously in BCCI circle on hefty payments being made to IMG for conducting the league.

– IMG was signed on 27 Cr annual deal in 2008

– IMG management fee was increased to 33 Cr in 2009 and was again re-negotiated for 28 Cr in 2010.

– In the new deal in 2017, IMG was given a hike of 40% from the previous fee.

The informed sources told InsideSport that voices against these hefty payments to IMG were raised in almost every BCCI and IPL Governing Council meeting. In-fact when Brijesh Patel took over as IPL Chairman and conducted his first meeting in Nov. 2019 – the discussion on the deal was one of the main point on agenda.

So how will BCCI now conduct the IPL 2021?

According to the report by TOI, the board is looking to put in place a team of qualified executives to run the show as the 14th edition of the IPL draws near. “There’s ample time, things will work out just the same,” sources added. The board may also come out with tender for specific tasks and various vendors will be appointed for different roles.