BCCI to hold mini IPL in September overseas

The Board of Control for Cricket in India will hold a shortened version of the Indian Premier League in September.

"In the month of September the BCCI is willing to host a mini IPL or IPL overseas with all the eight teams participating," president Anurag Thakur revealed, at the conclusion of the Board's Working Committee meeting in Dharamsala on Friday.

"It will be a shorter format, not home and away matches but a lesser number of matches.

“In a two-week window we should be able to complete it," he added.

The BCCI’s move was on the cards following the scrapping of the Champions League T20 last year.

The details of the shortened version of the Twenty20 tournament are yet to be chalked out, but the possible venues are United States and the United Arab Emirates, the latter having hosted part of the IPL in 2014.

The ninth edition of the tournament was held in India from April 9 to May 29.

Minutes after Thakur broke the news about a shorter version of the IPL, the BCCI issued a statement, which read: "BCCI will explore the option of hosting Mini IPL overseas in September."

Going overseas is not new to IPL as the entire 2009 edition was held in South Africa due to the general elections in India.

Check out the other decisions taken at the BCCI’s first annual four-day conclave, which concluded with the Working Committee meeting in Dharamsala on Friday.

- Appointment of Anil Kumble as Head Coach of the Indian cricket team.Technical Committee’s recommendation to hold Ranji Trophy matches at neutral venues approved.

- The Working Committee approved the following suggestions of the Junior Committee.

1. Under-19 cricketer can represent India only once in the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

2. Any player entering the system at Under-19 stage can play only two seasons of Under-19 cricket. 

- To popularize Test cricket, the BCCI will have a separate marketing budget in the coming season. The BCCI and the State Units will work together towards promotion and marketing of International matches.

- The BCCI will enter into Venue agreements with associations hosting international matches in the coming season, defining their roles and responsibilities and minimum standards required.

- The Working Committee decided to start a new T20 league in place of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. First, all state teams will play an Inter-zonal league in their respective zones. All five zones selecting a zonal side to play an Inter Zonal League will follow it.  

- The Working Committee approved the proposal of the Media Committee to issue an Annual Season Media Accreditation card.

- The BCCI will start annual awards for state associations in the following categories: Best Website, Best Facebook page, Best Twitter Handle, Best Instagram, Best Media Facility, Best Media Operations. This will encourage state associations to be more transparent and professional.

IMAGE: The Sunrisers Hyderabad players celebrate with the trophy after winning IPL 9.

Photograph: BCCI