BCCI plans to hold 'Mini IPL' abroad in September

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering launching the 'Mini IPL' in September this year, to exploit the overseas market for the popular T20 tournament. The idea was floated at a meeting of the IPL Governing Council on Thursday here at the HPCA Stadium. Media had reported last year in October about the possible move. "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 Media on Thursday. The proposal will now be discussed in the Board's Working Committee meeting here on Friday . One big glitch here is that India's home season will begin in September this time, with the Duleep Trophy set to feature all big stars, since it would be played with a pink ball under lights.