3 venues in UAE to host 60% of IPL 7 matches; rough schedule announced

Sharjah (in pic), Dubai and Abu Dhabi are set to host 60% of IPL 7 matches

After much wait, BCCI has finally decided on the venue for IPL 7. According to a report in mid-day, the top brass of BCCI came to a decision yesterday to host 60% of IPL’s matches, in the initial stages, in United Arab Emirates (UAE). IPL would return to India during the later stages for its conclusion.

A detailed schedule and complete itinerary is expected to be announced in the next couple of days. “The BCCI has got a security clearance from the union home ministry to hold the IPL matches in India after May 12 (the last day of voting). As a result, around 60 per cent of the matches would be played in UAE,” a BCCI source was quoted as saying by mid-day.

South Africa and Bangladesh were the other alternatives for hosting IPL 7, with the cash-rich T20 tournament clashing with Lok Sabha elections in India this year. BCCI wanted to host a majority of matches at home, considering it’s an Indian domestic league and also keeping in view the costs that would be incurred by the teams in travelling and logistics.

UAE had emerged the favourite when it got the backing of franchises and sponsors. The country also hosted ICC U-19 World Cup recently.

3 venues in UAE have been decided to host the IPL matches this year. “The BCCI has finalised Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi as the three venues,” the source told mid-day.

In India, IPL matches may remain in big cities, unlike last year when smaller venues were included in the schedule too. “Chennai, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi are sure. We may have some matches in Jaipur as well. All this will be worked out in a couple of days,” the source added.

UPDATE: Schedule announced

The 1st leg of IPL 7 would be held in UAE from April 16-30. In this period, 16 matches would be played in Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

The 2nd leg, from May 1-12 may be held either in Bangladesh or India. According to ESPNcricinfo, IPL Chairman Ranjib Biswal has said that matches would be played in Bangladesh in that period if the Indian Home Ministry fails to provide security due to Lok Sabha elections.

The 3rd and final leg will be played in India from May 13 onwards. The final is on June 1.

IPL 1st leg: From April 16 – 30 (16 games) in UAE. 2nd leg: May 1 – 15 could be in Bangladesh or India. Final leg in India, final on June 1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2014

Correction: Second leg of IPL 2014 is from May 1 to May 13 – in Bangladesh or India. And May 14 onwards will be in India, final on June 1

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 12, 2014