|| CF DESK ||

The BCCI is considering holding the second half of the IPL 2021 in the UAE in a window between September 18 and October 12. However, that would necessitate a reorganization of numerous boards' calendars, not least the CPL, which is set to begin on August 28.

If the BCCI does push ahead with these dates it would mean that the IPL ends only around a week before the mooted start of the ICC's T20 World Cup, which may also be held in the UAE.

The final might be held on October 9 or 10. The three-week window will be enough for the league to complete its remaining 31 games for the season, a win-win scenario for all the primary stakeholders including the BCCI, franchises and broadcasters.

"The BCCI has spoken to all the stakeholders and the likely start could be between September 18th to 20th. Since September 18 is a Saturday and 19 a Sunday, it is more likely that you would want to re-start it on a weekend date," the official told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

"Similarly, October 9th or 10th will be the final as it's a weekend. We are finalising the itinerary and there will be 10 double headers and seven evening matches along with four main games (two qualifiers, one eliminator and the final), which completes the list of 31 matches," the official added.