Top 3 Discontinued IPL Teams That Deserve a Comeback

Top 3 Discontinued IPL Teams That Deserve a Comeback (Photo Source - Twitter/X)

India's biggest T20 cricket carnival IPL (Indian Premier League) has witnessed the discontinuation of five franchises for various reasons. While the league offers an opportunity for owners to generate revenue, it also comes with risks. Investors are not always in a safe zone and often need to make calculated decisions. Setting aside the business perspective, some IPL teams have significantly contributed to the league's growth.

With an increase in teams, more players get the chance to be part of the league. In 2022, two teams were added, bringing the total count to ten. There could be further expansion in the future, and some of the defunct teams might deserve a second chance. While reviving all discontinued teams may not be feasible, three teams stand out as strong candidates for a comeback.

Here are the top three discontinued IPL teams that deserve a comeback: 3. Kochi Tuskers Kerala Kochi Tuskers Kerela. (Photo By STRDEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Kochi Tuskers Kerala were formed and disbanded in the 2011 season of the IPL. The franchise was established for a massive sum of INR 1,533 crores and finished the season in eighth place among ten teams. Their termination from the league resulted from the franchise's failure to pay the 10% bank guarantee component of the franchise fee before the 2012 season.

Despite multiple attempts by the to recover the payment, they received no response from anyone at Rendezvous Sports World. Ideally, a new owner would take over the franchise. Kerala, being a sports-loving state, deserves to have its own IPL team. Although the franchise’s past relations with the BCCI were not smooth, it arguably deserves a second chance.

2. Pune Warriors India Pune Warriors India. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP via Getty Images)

Alongside Kochi Tuskers Kerala, another team was introduced in IPL 2011—Pune Warriors India, owned by the Sahara Group. The franchise was acquired for INR 17.02 billion, a higher amount than KTK. Pune Warriors India participated in the IPL from 2011 to 2013, playing 46 matches and securing 12 wins with 33 losses.

The relationship between the franchise and the BCCI was far from ideal. While the BCCI claimed that the Sahara Group failed to pay the full bank guarantee amount, the franchise accused the BCCI of a "disinterested attitude towards the reduction of the Pune team's franchise fee." However, with a new owner, the team could be revived, as Pune—being a major city—deserves its own IPL team.

Also Read:  1. Deccan Chargers Deccan Chargers. (Photo by Tom Shaw/Getty Images)

The Deccan Chargers remain the most successful defunct team in IPL history. After finishing last in the inaugural season, the franchise bounced back to win the title in the very next edition. They also reached the playoffs in the 2010 season. However, the Hyderabad-based team’s fortunes quickly declined in the following seasons.

Financial issues led Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd. to put the team up for sale. While PVP Ventures was willing to buy the franchise, the owner was unwilling to accept a 50% share of dividends for ten years. As a result, the franchise was disbanded, paving the way for the formation of Sunrisers Hyderabad. A Deccan Chargers 2.0 could emerge with new ownership, potentially establishing a base in Central India.