Beware fringe players, IPL franchises ready to trim squads

New Delhi: Come February, and fringe players in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) are likely to feel the heat with many franchises ready to their respective squads.

According to a report in The Times of India, IPL franchises will follow the Big Bash League trend of having 18 players in the team. Currently, the upper limit of the player pool for each franchise in IPL is 25.

A source privy to the newspaper have reportedly said that majority of IPL franchises are looking to reduce the numbers to 18, or a maximum 21.

Earlier, a maximum of 33 cricketers along with eight foreigners, were allowed in each team. Regulation on foreign cricketers was subsequently increased from eight to 10 but the current cap is at nine.

"The general belief is to make the most of 18 to 21 players. Carrying a 25-member squad is in any case a logistical challenge. It will also help teams to invest a greater amount on selected players rather than spending on those who are likely to stay on the fringes," the source was quoted as saying.

In such a situation many a homegrown, young cricketers are likely to face the axe.