Bhubaneswar, July 31 -- New Delhi: The BCCI is bracing up for an IPL season like no other amid discussions on having mental health awareness helpline for players and support staff and with knowledge about the challenges of staying put in a bio-secure environment for weeks.

The helpline number, if introduced, will be a part of the board's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the lucrative tournament, which will be held in the UAE from September 19.

If the need arises, such dedicated helplines could help them deal with stress and anxiety better.

The BCCI is set to release a comprehensive SOP for all eight franchises after Sunday's Governing Council meeting where the final schedule will be passed.

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