Chennai: It looks like the Champions League T20 may well be replaced with a mini-IPL league. The decision pertaining to scrapping the CLT20 and finding an alternative to it is likely to be discussed at the IPL governing council to be held in Delhi on July 8, according to a report in ESPNCricinfo. Though the CLT20 has still not officially been scrapped, it is believed that the three boards governing the multinational T20 tournament have signed an exit clause with the broadcaster of the tournament.
A BCCI insider said: “It is a given that CLT20 is history and it’s time to look ahead.” It seems the Indian cricket board has plenty of options left to fill in the three-week void created in the fixtures by the CLT20 cancellation. At the moment, there are three major options being discussed. First option is to play a mini-IPL comprising the top four teams in IPL 2015. Likely to be a seven-match tournament with a league stage of six matches, followed by a final.
If not, then there is a prospect of playing a baby-IPL with all eight teams participating. The tournament will have a total of 15 matches, with eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by two semi-finals and a final. Or instead of the above mentioned options, respond to the WICB’s informal proposal of playing a short series in India to make up for the losses arising out of West Indies’ pullout from last year’s tour of India.
If either of those two options is considered financially and logistically viable, then the governing council is set to forward it to the BCCI working committee, likely to be held in the latter half of July, for ratification.The most critical aspect of playing a mini-IPL is to consider the ramifications of it on the broadcaster for the IPL. If any other broadcaster is awarded rights for a miniature version of the IPL, Multi Screen Media Pvt Ltd, owners of Max and Six who broadcast the IPL, may appeal to the Competition Commission of India. However, the BCCI at the moment is not looking that far.
The issue of broadcasting, according an IPL insider, will arise only if a mini-IPL is formalised. The BCCI hierarchy is also confident that the issue can be dealt with by following a transparent method to award broadcast rights.While the BCCI’s coffers are richer due to the settlement with the CLT20 broadcaster, a mini-IPL will help the IPL cricketers and franchises oblige their contractual commitments. Ten per cent of every player’s IPL contract is set aside as his match-fees for the CLT20, provided his team qualifies for the tournament.
