Our Correspondent
The UAE is likely to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the IPL chairman has said that it could be held between September 19 and November 8 in the emirates. Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi will host the matches.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is awaiting confirmation from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a week’s time. The BCCI has to get the approval from India’s Sports Ministry first; the ECB, for its part, has informed the UAE government about its desire to host the tournament.
Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary of the ECB, said: “It’s the BCCI’s call to announce the dates but as the Emirates Cricket Board, we are still waiting for the BCCI to officially communicate with us. We are in touch with the UAE government and we are all on stand-by. If we receive something from the BCCI, we will take it forward with the UAE government. There are certain reports in the media about the IPL coming to the UAE.”
The tournament is expected to be a major exercise with players and support staff from the eight franchises arriving in the UAE, apart from broadcasters.
Regarding health protocols, Usmani said that they are subject to discussion after the official confirmation from the BCCI.
Before the tournament, a logistics and operations team from the BCCI is set to arrive in the UAE to oversee preparations at the three venues.
