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The Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced a raft of changes and innovations ready for its third season, which begins in March 2010.
Before that, however, the organisers have confirmed that this year's trading window, where teams can transfer players already signed up to franchises, will last from 23rd November to 5th January 2010 and that a new auction will be held on 19th January for any new players to be signed up.
Players such as Michael Clarke and Stuart Broad, who opted out of the IPL last year, could be available at this auction, as could a number of Pakistan players provided they are given clearance by the Pakistan Cricket Board by 20th November. All eight franchises wll be given an additional $750,000 for the auction and plans to expand the tournament to ten teams were given the backing of seven of the eight franchises although this will not happen until season four.
Furthermore, trials with pink balls will take place ahead of the tournament, teams will be allowed to field four substitute fielders and any ball bowled above waist height is to be called a no-ball.
The 2010 IPL will also be played under the Indian board's (BCCI) anti-doping rules as well as the ICC's anti-corruption code.
"The participative approach where the IPL, IMG and all our franchisees shared their experiences and learning's from Season 2009 in South Africa and the consensus on initiatives for IPL Season 2010 amongst all stakeholders was most enriching and encouraging," tournament Chairman Lalit Modi commented.
"I am certain now that we are poised to bring a significantly enhanced IPL experience back home to the Indian fans in Season 2010. Some important decisions regarding use of four fielding substitutes instead of the twelfth man, utilizing the services of the ICC Anti-Corruption and Security Unit, player regulations, were also arrived at and these coupled with the discussions on improving in-stadia hospitality and facilities should make for an exhilarating experience for IPL 2010."
The 2010 IPL opens with reigning champions Deccan Chargers taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders in Hyderabad on 12th March of next year.
© Cricket World 2009
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