Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) welcomed the Indian cricket board's decision to stage the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in the United Arab Emirates.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced Wednesday that the IPL, scheduled April 16-June 1, will be co-hosted by the UAE and India. Bangladesh has been kept as a stand-by venue.
The UAE will host 16 matches April 16-30 and if matches cannot be held in India during May 1-12 period due to the general elections, Bangladesh will play the hosts. The remaining matches from May 13, including the play-offs and the final slated for June 1, will be held in India.
"The BCCI's decision to stage the first part of the IPL in the UAE is great news for the people of the UAE and the region. It will complete a remarkable season of cricket in the UAE which has already seen the successful staging of the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier 2013 and the ICC U-19 World Cup 2014," ICC chief executive David Richardson said.
"This news comes on the back of the on-field success of the UAE national team, which has qualified for both the ICC World Twenty20 2014 in Bangladesh and the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia and New Zealand, and has the potential to propel cricket's profile to new heights in the country."
Based at the ICC headquarters here in Dubai Sports City, Richardson said the ICC was ready to support the successful staging of the IPL matches in its home country.
"Recognising the importance of the integrity of the competition, the ICC will provide its full support for the matches in the UAE, including through the provision of anti-corruption services. It will also be a good opportunity for both the BCCI and the ICC to share knowledge and experience as we both strive to deliver memorable events to cricket fans around the world."
