New Delhi: Mumbai Indians were not at their best in the ninth edition of the Indian Premier League.
Despite multiple openings, Rohit Sharma's side failed to close to the deal and seal a playoffs spot.
There is however some good news for MI fans, as they won't have to wait another year to watch their team in action.
According to a report in the Indian Express, the Mumbai team will utilize the open window in September to play three matches against associate nations in the United States.
Since the Champions League has been scrapped, MI will be back in action after India’s tour of West Indies.
As per IPL and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) norms, teams can play a limited number of friendlies in ICC Associate and Affiliate countries between June and August.
Since Virat Kohli's Test side is scheduled to tour the Windies from July 21 to August 22, MI will play in September.
“The BCCI allows franchises to play three games with associates countries. It builds a fan base outside India. IPL has grown big over the years and we have not only followers in India but abroad too. The recent reports have clearly stated that fastest growing league in the world is IPL. There is no harm if any franchise plays outside India,” a top BCCI official told the newspaper.
The franchise is expected to inform BCCI of its decision to use the September window in the coming days.
It would be interesting to see how this experiment works out and whether other teams too would follow in the footsteps of the two-time champions.
