Image courtesy of: NDTV

All matches from May 13 onwards will be played in India

The United Arab Emirates have agreed to host the first 16 Indian Premier League (IPL) matches due to the federal elections in India.

Just in case things don’t work out in the United Arab Emirates, it is understood that Bangladesh is the back-up destination.

“From Wednesday 16th April to Wednesday 30th April, at least 16 matches will be held in the United Arab Emirates,” an IPL statement said. “BCCI is very grateful to the Emirates Cricket Board, its chairman, HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, and the government of the UAE for their offer of wholehearted support to host the Pepsi IPL for this period.”

The tournament was moved to the United Arab Emirates since the Indian government could not spare any security units to ensure everything runs smoothly and safely.

“From Tuesday 13th May (once polling has concluded in all states), the remaining league matches plus the play-offs will be played in India,” the statement said. “There will be no matches scheduled on the counting day of Friday 16th May. BCCI will take the advice of the authorities if any further restrictions are required around the counting day.”

International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive David Richardson stated that the governing board will be keeping a close eye on the tournament this year, especially after India pace bowler Sreesanth was banned for life for being involved in a match-fixing scandal during last year’s IPL.

“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,” Richardson said via a statement. “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.”