BCCI plans to hold a 'Mini IPL' in September

If all goes as per the plans, we might soon be able to enjoy a mini-IPL in September this year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to be seriously considering hosting a trimmed version of IPL to utilise the vacuum left by the defunct ‘Champions League T20.’ Indian cricket’s governing board had been pondering over the idea for some time now, with reports first coming out in May.

“There’s a ‘window’ which has been left vacant in September after the Champions League T20 was discontinued from last year. The Mumbai Indians wanted to play a few games against another franchise. Their request has been turned down and instead a proposal to launch a mini IPL was floated.”

“We’re now considering the possibility of playing a short duration (10-15 days) tournament in the UAE or the US, in which all the eight teams can take part,” a senior Board official told this paper on Thursday. The proposal will now be discussed in the Board’s Working Committee meeting here on Friday.”

The BCCI, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa, the three cricket boards who jointly held the league, decided to scrap the tournament in 2015 owing to low interest and sponsorship issues. The Mini-IPL is expected to be held outside India, with the USA reportedly in line to be one of the hosts. One of the sources close to the developments explained

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“It can be a great testing ground for what is possible in terms of reaching out to the Indian fan base abroad. It can be made financially viable if a market like the US is explored. Frankly, if the broadcaster finds it appealing then a lot of things fall into place.”

But, there can be one major roadblock. The domestic season in India will begin around the same time in India with the Duleep Trophy set to feature many big names since it will be played in the Day-night version.