MCA to hold Mumbai Premier League in April next year

Cashing in on the increasing popularity of Twenty20 games, Mumbai Cricket Association has decided to organise the Mumbai Premier League among eight teams in the later part of April next year.

"It would be run on the lines of Indian Premier League and would involve eight teams. Each team would play once against all other teams, making it seven matches for each side. There are no home and away games as in IPL," said former India skipper and ex-Chief Selector Dilip Vengsarkar on Monday.

Vengsarkar, who is the chairman of the MPL Committee, said that half a dozen firms have already given presentations to the MCA managing committee on the MPL and an event marketing firm would be appointed within the next fortnight.

"We will appoint an event management firm within the next fifteen days," he said.

Vengsarkar explained that as in IPL there would be auctions for the teams and players. "Yes, there would be auctions similar to the IPL," he said.

Vengsarkar said the only free time available for the MCA to hold the MPL was after the conclusion of the 2010 edition of IPL on April 25.

"We don't have any other slots available due to international and domestic schedules," he said.

The IPL is to be followed by the ICC World Twenty20 Championship in the West Indies from April 30.

Sachin Tendulkar could be available to play in the MPL as he has not been part of the Indian Twenty20 squad in the recent past.