IPL 2014 : Governing body releases the schedule for the UAE leg of IPL 7

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced the schedule of the forthcoming Indian Premier League`s first phase, which is scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates from the 16th of April.

The inaugral match of the IPL’s seventh edition sees two high-profile teams Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders lock horns at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

The Indian Premier League’s official twitter handle (@IPL) tweeted the schedule for the first phase a short while back with Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium also confirmed as the venues for the cash-rich bonanza league.

The tournament, which had to be partly shifted out of India, owing to the clear message from the government that they cannot provide security for the event amidst the general elections in April-May, is all set to return to India for the third and final phase from May 13, although the BCCI is keen on organizing the tournament in India from May 1 itself and has sought permission from the Home Ministry for the same.

The early foray into India would be possible only if the government agrees to provide security to the mega tournament in states where polling would finish at that stage.

Sharjah Cricket Stadium will host its first match on April 17 when the Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore begin their campaign, while Dubai International Cricket Stadium will begin proceedings with the RCB v Mumbai Indians encounter on April 19.

Here is the Schedule of First 20 Matches annouce by BCCI.