Brisbane, Feb 24 (IANS) With Australian media owner Lachlan Murdoch becoming a part owner of the Jaipur franchise in the millionaire Indian Premiere League (IPL), speculations are rife that the IPL bandwagon would roll into Australian shores in few years. IPL officials believe it is inevitable the eight-team, India-based competition will expand to foreign territory, and franchises are likely to be established among the top cricket nations.

The Twenty20 format could help spread the cricketing gospel to uncharted frontiers such as the US and the lucrative Middle East market, according to the Courier Mail.

Australia’s IPL-based agent Neil Maxwell has said he wouldn’t be surprised if a franchise was based in Australia.

“The only reason to roll out a franchise is to increase your television or broadcast rights,” he said.

“If you go to a new market, you want to increase your broadcast rights in that market. I don’t know whether Australia has that sustainability or offers that.

“I can understand other parts of Asia, I can understand Dubai, I can understand America and others, but I don’t know whether Australia offers it. But ultimately if they do expand, there could be an Australian one,” Maxwell said.

It is understood businessman Peter Holmes and movie star Russell Crowe have expressed interest in the IPL.