T10 League eyeing int'l expansion in 2019

The T10 League is eyeing international expansion, with Shaji Ul Mulk, the league's chairman, in discussions with 'a few' international boards over taking the tournament abroad in 2019, reports ESPNcricinfo.

The ICC-sanctioned event currently operates in conjunction and with the approval of the Emirates Cricket Board at its UAE home. Ul Mulk is adamant that the format will only exist in commercially viable markets, where it is held with both the blessing and collaboration of the respective national board.

"Boards are coming to us and it's all about how we fit in commercially. We will probably have one more T10 in 2019; that's our ambition," Ul Mulk told the online sports portal.

"We are talking to a few boards, but it depends on how it goes. One thing is very clear: we only want to work with boards."

While he stopped short of mentioning the boards he is currently engaged in dialogue with, Ul Mulk spoke favourably of the USA, England and South Africa as potential markets.

The USA, in particular, Ul Mulk felt, can benefit from the infiltration of the league, which can help in the growth of the sport in the country. According to the T10 head, Cricket Australia is not one of those involved in discussions, but is nevertheless another corner of the world where he sees opportunity.

"Australia would be very interesting for us, but we've not started talking to them yet. They're not one of the three boards that I've mentioned. But that would surely be a great market and there a lot of great markets for us.