Here’s some good news for IPL fans. Now BCCI has taken the decision of hosting a shortened version of IPL season every September. Yes, it would start this year and would be termed as ‘IPL overseas’ or ‘Mini IPL’. Anurag Thakur, the president of BCCI stated that the format of the series as well as the final dates would be announced soon.
In a committee meeting in Dharamsala on Friday, Thakur stated that
“In the month of September, the BCCI is willing to host a mini IPL or IPL overseas.”[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.”
He further added that since the Duleep Trophy has been scheduled for September already, BCCI has a very limited slot available for this Mini IPL. Anurag says
“It is a tight schedule. It is in a less than two-week window we have to organise [the tournament]. And we have to look into various details: which country we can play in, how many teams, how many players should participate, who will be the broadcaster – all these issues need to deliberated, but we are keen to play in that window.”
The IPL broadcasting rights lie with Sony till the year 2017, but Star (holding the rights of home series in India) is competing with it in order to bag the deal.
Thakur added that more details will be shared after speaking with stakeholders. He also said that before finalizing the format and the date, they would speak to the broadcaster and franchises.
Talking about the venue, Thakur said
“There are many options, many countries host the IPL. So there will be a process to look at the various time zones available, various markets available, which could be the best partner country, whether every year it should be hosted in that country or the countries can be changed.”
So guys, aren’t you excited about the ‘Mini IPL’ series? We are sure you are! Do let us know your comments in our comments section below!