IPL Twenty20 tournament looks to add a new franchise

The BCCI, which owns the event, is looking to replace the cash-strapped Deccan Chargers, who were thrown out for financial violations including failing to pay players.

Placed in the Times of India, the advertisement said that the new team had to be based in one of 12 named cities, including Ahmedabed, Dharamshala, Hyderabad and Kochi. "The winning bidder will be granted the right to own and operate a new team which will compete in the IPL each year from and including 2013," the advert said, adding that that the franchise would have to meet its eligibility criteria, and would have the right to qualify for the international Champions League Twenty20.

According to Sport24, the IPL has been a huge commercial hit in India, attracting large television audiences and many of the world's best players such as Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen, but it has also been dogged by controversy.

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