New Delhi: BCCI has decided UAE, Bangladesh and India as joint hosts for the seventh edition of cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) tournament, according to media reports.
United Arab Emirates will stage the initial phase of the IPL tournament while Bangladesh has been kept on standby for some of the matches by the BCCI, ending weeks of speculation over the venues of the high-profile event scheduled from April 16 to June 1.
“The BCCI is pleased to announce that the 2014 Pepsi IPL season will start on Wednesday 16th April 2014, and conclude on Sunday 1st June 2014,” Board Secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.
The initial phase of the tournament would be played out at three venues in UAE — Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30.
The second half has been tentatively kept in Bangladesh but could be held in India if the BCCI manages to get the government’s clearance.
“For the period from Thursday 1st May to Monday 12th May, BCCI has approached the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, seeking permission to play IPL matches in India in cities where the polling has concluded in the respective state.
“BCCI is extremely conscious of the various complexities involved, but hopes for a favourable consideration. BCCI will abide by the decision of the authorities in this regard. If it is not possible to play in India during this period, IPL matches will be held in Bangladesh and BCCI is thankful to the Bangladesh Cricket Board and the government of Bangladesh for their support,” the Board said.
