No change in existing format of IPL as of now: Modi

Bangalore:

Indian Premier League Commissioner Lalit Modi on Thursday dismissed speculation that the number of foreign players allowed in the teams could be increased next year, saying the number would remain unchanged at four.

"There can be speculation that the number of foreign players would go up to six or more in IPL teams. IPL is purely a domestic cricket. As of now, there is no change in the existing format of permitting not more than four foreign players in a team," Modi told reporters here.

"IPL is a domestic league. It will remain so. The objective is to encourage young talent in India," Modi, also the head of the Champions league, the new version launched to promote club cricket in the country, said.

The launch of champions league will usher in rapid growth of club level cricket around the world, Modi said.

"Currently we don't have plans to take the Champions League to non-cricket playing nations, but it may be a possibility someday", he said.

The matches are, however, being telecast worldwide in several countries to enable people, who have not seen Cricket before to watch it, Modi said.

In the inaugural match of the Champions League, being held here on Thursday, Royal Challengers, Bangalore, takes on Cape Cobras.

The first day's tickets here have been sold out and the response is good, Modi said.

"We expect similar response in other places also. We are examining how best we can help the flood affected. It is on cards. We are still in discussion," he said, when asked whether part of the tournament earnings will be donated for flood relief operations in rain-ravaged Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.