The newly-formed tournament committee of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) decided on the initial fixture, the number of venues and other major issues during their meeting at the management office in Gulshan yesterday.

On Wednesday, it was announced that the CCL would begin next Tuesday but Ali Hossain, who was re-instated as member secretary of the committee yesterday, confirmed that the start had been delayed once more.

The twelve-team meet was first set for an October 1 start before numerous factors forced a delay. However this time it looks certain to begin, a week later, after it was learned that mobile phone giants Grameen Phone had agreed to sponsor the tournament.

Details of that deal are to be revealed in a few days.

"We will formally begin the tournament on October 7 since we want to have a proper opening ceremony," said Hossain.

The tournament will initially begin at two venues -- Dhanmondi Cricket Stadium and Fatullah Stadium -- as these are the only grounds prepared.

However, the participating teams are also suffering the consequences of unprepared grounds and the inclement weather, which is going to continue for a few more days.

The ground at Dhanmondi, a popular venue for the teams, only has the playing area prepared while the outfield needs a lot of tending.

Meanwhile, the national cricket championship is set to begin on October 15 at different venues across the country.

The participating teams are being asked to send in their entries by October 7.

The National Cricket League (NCL) will begin on the first week of November with the six divisional teams but with a different format, informed Hossain.

Last season, the NCL was held with a four-day match followed by a one-day game the next day.

"This time, the four-day tournament will take place first. The one-day meet will follow but after it finishes, separating the two forms of the game," said member secretary Hossain.

The limited-overs version of the NCL is likely to begin on the first week of December.

The first phase of the four-day version will start on November with the second and final stage scheduled for February.

The Premier Cricket League is expected to begin after the first stage of the NCL one-day meet, which makes it sure to have a December start.