Reports: BCCI wants to hold mini-IPL in September

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has reportedly expressed interest in organising a mini-IPL in the month of September. Indian cricket's governing body has been mulling over this idea for quite some time now with developments being first reported in May last year. The window vacated by the defunct Champions League T20 is being targetted by the board for holding the tournament. However, there are reports that the International Cricket Council may also be looking at the slot.

CLT20, a tournament based on the concept of the UEFA Champions League, was first played in the year 2009. It aimed to bring together teams from different T20 tournaments across the cricketing globe and get them to compete with each other.

There were a total of six editions played, the last being the one in 2014. New South Wales Blues won the inaugural CLT20 whereas Chennai Super Kings won it in the year 2014. The BCCI were forced to scrap the tournament owing to the low level of interest it garnered among audiences.

There are chances that the tournament may be aimed at Indian cricket fans abroad and is likely to be played outside India, preferably in the US. A source who is in the loop of the developments said, "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."

The only thing which may come in the way of BCCI's plans concerning a mini-IPL is if ICC decides to hold an international tournament during the same window. Regardless, fans may have some exciting cricketing action to look forward to in September.