The International cricket council (ICC) has welcomed the BCCI’s decision to stage the Indian Premier League in the United Arab Emirates.
The BCCI confirmed yesterday that three venues in UAE – Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, would host the 1st leg of the bonanza event between Aptril 16-30. A total of 16 matches will take place in UAE before the Indian Premier League moves to either Bangladesh or India for the 2nd leg based on whether the Indian Home Ministry is able to provide security for the high-profile event.
The 3rd and final leg will be played in India from May 13 onwards. The final is on June 1.
“The BCCI’s decision to stage the first leg of the IPL in the UAE is fantastic news for the people of the UAE and the region. It will complete an exciting season of cricket in the UAE which has already seen the successful staging of the ICCWorld T20 Qualifier 2013 and the ICC Under-19s Cricket World Cup,” ICC chief executive David Richardson said.
Richardson was also of the view that a major competition like the IPL preferring UAE as its venue is another step towards popularising the sport in the middle-east. UAE qualified for both the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh which begins this week and the ICC 2015 ICC World Cup Down Under.
Richardson felt that the IPL arriving in the UAE has the “potential to propel cricket’s profile to new heights in the country”.
ICC, which is based in Dubai, is keen on working with the Indian board to ensure a successful cricket spectacle for cricket fans.
“Recognising the significance of the integrity of the competition, the ICC is keen to provide its full backing for the matches in the UAE, including through the provision of anti-corruption services. It will also represent a good opportunity for the ICC and BCCI to share knowhow and experience as we both strive to deliver memorable events to cricket fans around the world,” Richardson said.
