MUMBAI: The wait is finally over for the cricket enthusiasts. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced that the seventh edition of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) will start on Wednesday, 16 April 2014, and conclude on Sunday, 1 June 2014.
From Wednesday 16 April to Wednesday 30 April, at least 16 matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). For the period from Thursday 1 May to Monday 12 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.
In the release issued to the press, BCCI remarked that it is extremely conscious of the various complexities involved, but hopes for a favourable consideration. The Board 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.
From Tuesday 13 May (once polling has concluded in all states), the remaining league matches plus the Playoffs will be played in India. There will be no matches scheduled on the counting day, that is Friday, 16 May.
ICC Chief Executive David Richardson today welcomed the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stage Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014 matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). “The BCCI’s decision to stage the first part of the IPL 2014 season 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 U19 Cricket World Cup 2014."
Richardson, who is based in the UAE at the ICC headquarters in Dubai Sports City, said the ICC was ready to support the successful staging of the IPL 2014 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.”
