BCCI May Consider Vadodara for New IPL Franchise as League Eyes Expansion in 2028

Vadodara, November 10, 2026: Vadodara could emerge as a potential new destination for the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly considering the addition of at least two franchises from the 2028 season.

According to reports citing sources familiar with the discussions, Vadodara and Pune are among the cities being evaluated for the proposed expansion. The plans are still at a preliminary stage, and the final selection of cities will depend on several factors, including investor interest.

The proposed expansion is expected to coincide with the next IPL media-rights cycle, beginning in 2028. Industry estimates suggest that each new franchise could command a valuation of more than $1 billion, reflecting the growing commercial appeal of the tournament.

Several potential investors are reportedly exploring opportunities to acquire franchises or minority stakes. These include private equity firm Permira, Asian state-backed entities, West Asian sovereign wealth funds, major Indian business groups, US-based family offices and wealthy individual investors. Neither the BCCI nor Permira has made a public statement on the reported discussions.

Vadodara’s possible inclusion is also being viewed in the context of Gujarat’s growing investment in sports infrastructure. Ahmedabad, which currently hosts the Gujarat Titans, is being developed as a major sports hub, while the state has broader ambitions linked to hosting the 2036 Olympic Games.

Located approximately 110 km from Ahmedabad, Vadodara already has the infrastructure required to host top-level cricket. The Baroda Cricket Association’s international stadium at Kotambi, also known as Vadodara International Cricket Stadium, was inaugurated in December 2024. With a seating capacity of around 40,000, the venue has hosted Women’s Premier League matches and international cricket fixtures. Built on the outskirts of the city at an estimated cost of ₹200–215 crore, the stadium features modern facilities, including floodlights, corporate hospitality boxes, upgraded players’ dressing rooms, media infrastructure and a seating arrangement designed to provide clear views of the playing field. It has hosted international women’s ODI matches and Women’s Premier League fixtures, demonstrating its capacity to accommodate major cricket events.

The city has also been developing its domestic T20 cricket ecosystem. The Baroda Premier League, launched in 2025, provides a local platform modelled on the IPL and has helped increase the visibility of cricket in the region.

The last major expansion of the IPL took place in 2022, when Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants joined the tournament, taking the total number of franchises to 10. Pune has previously been represented in the league through the Rising Pune Supergiant franchise, which participated in the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

The proposed expansion comes amid rising franchise valuations. Recent ownership transactions involving established IPL teams, including Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals, have reportedly placed their valuations in the range of $1.6 billion to $1.8 billion in certain deals.

The IPL’s previous media-rights cycle was valued at approximately ₹48,000 crore. The next cycle, expected to begin in 2028, is anticipated to attract higher commercial interest. Adding teams would increase the number of matches and create additional revenue opportunities, although scheduling and player availability would remain important considerations.

For Vadodara, securing an IPL franchise would mean a significant addition to its sporting profile and make it Gujarat’s second IPL city. However, the BCCI has not announced any formal expansion decision, bidding process or final list of prospective host cities. The proposal remains under consideration.DeshGujarat