The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s decision to hold the first leg of the Indian Premier League next month caps a fabulous period for UAE cricket which began with the national team qualifying for the World Twenty20 for the first time, five months ago.
They followed it up making the cut for the 2015 World Cup after a long wait of 17 years resulting in another first – sponsorship of the team by broadcasters OSN.
The staging of the Under-19 World Cup last month was another high which showcased the infrastructure and organisational capabilities.
UAE cricket has never had it so good and the IPL pitching tent provides an extra fillip to the sport in the region.
The IPL brings with it star players from all over the world and watching them in action at the three world-class stadiums in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah should be an inspiration for all budding cricketers.
The event, which has a huge potential to attract new followers, could also interest the local Emirati population and fuel the Emiratisation of cricket in the region.
For the Emirates Cricket Board which is keen to promote Emirati players’ and pave their way to the national team, the IPL could not have come at a better time. The fantastic facilities, presence of a massive expat Indian community and proximity to the country were factors which influenced BCCI’s decision to opt for the UAE.
The details of the 16 matches to be played over 15 days next month in the UAE are not known yet as the BCCI is awaiting clearance from the Home Ministry whether the tournament can return home the earliest, by May 1, when voting would be over in most states of the country.
If the ministry gives a go-ahead then the remaining 44 games will be held in India ruling out the Bangladesh leg (May 1-12). The three venues in the UAE give multiple options for the organisers who would also be looking to the two weekends (April 18-19 and 25-26) to slot the ‘big matches’.
Evening matches with a 6pm start could be the order of the day as it would also cater to the audience in India, which is one and a half hours ahead of the UAE.
Another plus for the IPL in the UAE is the additional ring of security promised by the International Cricket Council, who are headquartered here.
The ICC chief executive Dave Richardson has assured the world body’s help in anti-corruption measures for the event which should come as a welcome relief for the BCCI after last season’s fiasco.
IPL 6 was tarnished by spotfixing allegations leading to the banning of three Rajasthan Royals players. It created a big furore in the country which forced the BCCI chief N Srinivasan to step aside.
With this season kicking-off under ICC’s watch, followers of the sport can be assured of a good time in the UAE.
IPL 7 key numbers
3 – Countries will host this edition of the IPL: UAE, India and most likely Bangladesh
8 – Teams will feature this season, one less than last year following the termination of the Pune Warriors franchise
47 – Days will be the duration of the T20 league beginning with the UAE leg on April 16 and ending in India on June 1. It is seven days less than IPL 6 which was spread over 54 days.
60 – Matches in total will be played in this edition, much less than the 76 played last year
