The Indian Premier League is the most awaited domestic T20 event in the world, and the wait might have been shortened with BCCI keen to host two IPLs in a year. The cricket board is lining up a mini-IPL in September, and the decision was confirmed by president Anurag Thakur on Friday in Dharamsala.
Though mini-IPL is set to be played outside India, the details have not been announced. Reports earlier and stated that the tournament could be played in the US or the UAE as well. As the name suggests -- mini-IPL -- the competitions will witnesses lesser number of matches.
"In the month of September, the BCCI is willing to host a mini IPL or IPL overseas with all the eight teams participating," ESPN Cricinfo quoted Thakur as saying.
"[It will be] a shorter format, not home and away matches but a lesser number of matches; in a two-week window we will be able to complete it."
The cash-rich event will be played during the window that was allotted to Champions League Twenty20, which was scrapped last year after lukewarm interest from fans. The competition was hosted by Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa and BCCI, but the mini-IPL is expected to receive greater response compared to defunct Champions League.
As per the latest cricket calendar, India will not be playing any international matches in September, which makes all the national players available as well. However, teams like Australia and Sri Lanka, will be on international duty till Sept. 9, and England vs Pakistan T20 series will also get over on Sept. 7.
It is between the period between Sept. 11 and Sept. 24 where not a single international match will be played, opening the door for all international cricketers to represent their respective franchises as well.
