Pune and Kochi have been announced as the two new franchises in the Indian Premier League. Pune was bought by Sahara Adventure Sports Group for $370m (£246m) and Kochi went to Rendezvous Sports World Limited for $333m at a Chennai auction. The two new franchises will join the IPL from 2011, taking the total number of teams to 10.
Sahara might appoint someone from Bachchan family as their Brand Ambassador.
Sahara and Rendezvous were competing with three other companies, including the Adani Group and VC Digital Solution.
IPL commissioner Lalit Modi said:
"We are absolutely delighted by the overwhelming response to our global Franchise Invitation to Tender process. I am also certain that the IPL fans in Kochi and Pune would be particularly excited with an IPL franchise for their respective cities. Given the high quality of franchises that we have selected, we are certain that both the new franchises will do everything in their power to ensure good competitive teams for next year."
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar said:
"It’s fantastic that two new teams have come in, it will give more youngsters an opportunity to show their talent and that’s only going to be good for Indian cricket. The youngsters will not only come into national focus but international focus as well."
