In the wake of upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions, the Board of Cricket Council of India (BCCI) has advanced the domestic T20 Zonal League and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The Zonal T20 league is now believed to be held from January 8 to 16, instead of January 21 to 29, whereas the Syed Mushtaq Ali knockout tournament has been advanced to January 21-27, from earlier February 4-10 window.
The decision has been taken in regard to ensure that the players get a chance to audition ahead of the 2018 auction, which is scheduled for January 27 and 28.
A couple of officials from IPL franchises confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that they hadn't made specific rescheduling requests to the BCCI, but noted that the changes were not surprising.
"It has happened in the last two years as well. It makes sense for both the players and the franchises as we can take a look at the talent on display ahead of the auctions," ESPNcricinfo quoted an IPL franchise official as saying.
In 2015, the board had advanced the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, the domestic T20 championship, before the IPL auction.