BCCI welcomes Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals back into IPL

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Friday welcomed the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises - Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals - back into the League.

The two franchises have completed the two-year suspension imposed by the Supreme Court appointed Justice (Retd.) Lodha Committee and will now participate in the IPL.

BCCI acting president CK Khanna said: "VIVO IPL will be enriched by the return of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals. Both the teams have enjoyed tremendous on-field success and have a mass following. The loyal fans will again get to see their favourite teams and stars in action from the upcoming season of the VIVO IPL."

Rajeev Shukla, IPL chairman, said, "It is my privilege to welcome back our franchisees, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, into the 11th edition of the IPL. We have had a strong working relationship with Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals and hope that we can continue to build upon the close ties that we have enjoyed in the past, as we move towards the next edition of the league."

Amitabh Choudhary, acting secretary BCCI, said: "I welcome CSK and RR back into the league. I hope they bring back the intensity and the flair that they are reputed for and continue to add immense value to brand VIVO IPL. I wish them, all the very best."

Shukla had earlier in the year revealed that no extension has been given to Rising Pune Supergiants and Gujarat Lions as the agreement was only for a two-year period.

Two new franchises in Pune and Gujarat were formed when Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended by a Supreme Court-appointed panel as their team officials - CSK's Gurunath Meiyappan and RR co-owner Raj Kundra - were charged with betting during the 2013 edition of the tournament.

-ANI