The BCCI today launched its own cash-rich domestic and international Twenty20
leagues with the support of top Test playing nations, a move which is seen as
a counter to the unofficial venture floated by the Essel Group.
The high-profile league was announced by BCCI vice-President Lalit Modi
at a crowded press conference where the top representatives of several Test playing
nations and the International Cricket Council were present.
Apart from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BCCI also announced
the international Champions Twenty20 League which will feature the top two clubs
of India, Australia, South Africa and England.
The Champions Twenty20 League will carry a prize money of USD
5 million, the highest ever purse for a cricket event. The IPL will offer a
prize money of USD 3 million.
Giving details of the cash-rich league, Modi said that the
IPL will be held in April next year, while the Champions twenty20 League will
be played in October 2008.
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