The idea to commercially exploit the IPL brand overseas was formally proposed at the IPL workshop in Goa in January.  Teams welcomed the May decision, but their initial enthusiasm has been dampened as conditions were laid out in an email that was sent to the team owners on June 2, 2012.

BCCI wrote in the email that the friendly matches can only be played in associate countries.  "It's our responsibility to popularize the T20 format in other [associate] countries. If the IPL teams can organize such matches, it will be good for the game," a BCCI official was quoted as saying. 

Teams are said to be unhappy about this condition, since it is seen as severely limiting the commercial opportunities.  But this is not the only reason for the unhappiness.  BCCI has also said that the teams must treat these as 'separate events,' and that separate contracts must be signed with players who are selected to play in these friendlies.  Teams were hoping to use previously contracted players by amending their contracts.

A third restriction allows the IPL franchise to play just three matches in a calendar year, between the months of June and August.   Despite its  pronouncement regarding its responsibility to popularize the sport in associate countries, BCCI appears to want to control game-related aspects such as umpiring, match referee, anti-corruption and anti-doping services for these friendly fixtures, for which it expects to be compensated.   This does not bode well for USA's small but eminently qualified umpiring community, which might have appreciated an opportunity to officiate in these friendly fixtures.

Not surprisingly, a majority of the franchises want these limitations to be eased. “To begin with, the decision to play in associate countries is the biggest problem. Almost all the teams wanted to play these exhibition games in regular Test-playing nations," one team official told HT Media, adding that 'there can be just no quality cricket' in developing countries.  

Whether BCCI relaxes its conditions or not, BCCI's decision already works in USA's favor as it is an associate nation and the time window coincides with the summer season in America.   DreamCricket.com has reliably learned that at least two teams are giving a series in USA a serious look.   However, the chances of that happening in 2012 are slim to none.

Friendlies against IPL teams will provide a much needed boost to the new T20 league announced by Cricket Holdings America that expects to kick off in 2013.  These international friendlies have worked well for soccer.  Major League Soccer (MLS) has had annual All-Star games against international clubs since 2003.  MLS' matches against EPL teams are among the most popular fixtures on its calendar.  The best of MLS played and defeated Fulham FC (2005), Chelsea FC (2006), West Ham United FC (2008).  Everton FC defeated MLS All-Stars in 2009 and Manchester United defeated them in 2010 and 2011.