Calcutta: Lalit Modi, IPL chairman and commissioner, on Tuesday announced that the second season of the IPL would start tentatively from April 10, 2009 and continue till May 29, according to a release.

Modi also announced that the format would remain the same as that of the inaugural season.

The eight franchises will play against one another on a home and away basis.

The top four will then figure in the two semi-finals and the winners of the semi-finals will clash in the final.

Modi said: “The dates were decided at a meeting of the governing council in Mumbai.”