England can host IPL matches, says new ECB chairman Richard Thompson

Gujarat Titans with IPL 2022 trophy [PC: Twitter]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a money-spinning proposition of world cricket, and everyone wants a taste of the humble pie. 

The new England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson has expressed his ambitions of hosting IPL matches in the country, aiming to increase viewership in the grounds. 

Chairing his first board meeting on Wednesday, Thompson spoke in great depth about County cricket, Test cricket, and player-board relations.

Speaking to The Telegraph Thompson said, 

“We have seen the value when India and Pakistan are playing over here during World Cups and Champions Trophies. The NBA and NFL come here, so why can’t we host the IPL? The IPL has grown its window by another three weeks and I don’t think it cannibalises other competitions because [many England] players are playing in it anyway.”

England have been fabulous in Tests recently [PC: Twitter]

The former Surrey County Cricket Club (SCCC) chairperson also emphasized the importance of Test cricket and expressed his opinions on England's 2023 home Test schedule.

"It does feel odd that you are finishing an Ashes at the end of July when the summer has just got going. Those hard, dusty wickets in late August and September are part of the nuance of Test cricket. I don’t think it will happen again. Future Ashes series will not finish at the beginning of August.”

Earlier, Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, also advocated for IPL matches to be held across various venues in London, which apparently faced opposition from the ECB.

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