Emirates Cricket Board denies speculations of IPL being shifted to UAE

The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has denied reports claiming the second phase of the Indian Premier League 2024 (IPL) being shifted to the UAE due to the imminent general elections in India. The rumors gained attraction after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced only the first 21 games of the tournament schedule.

The IPL 2024 is set to commence on March 22 with the opening clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, with India set to have polling from April 19, speculations arose that the latter stages of the cash-rich league might need to be shifted out of the country to avoid any scheduling conflicts.

Reports suggested that top BCCI officials were in Dubai exploring the possibility of hosting the second phase in the UAE. A source quoted in the Times of India stated, "The Election Commission of India will announce the election schedule on Saturday. After that, the BCCI will decide whether IPL matches should be moved to Dubai. Currently, a few top BCCI officials are in Dubai to explore the possibility of organizing the second half of the IPL in Dubai.”

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Responding swiftly, a source close to the developments within the ECB denied any such discussions taking place. “We have been together since morning today after the ICC meeting and there was no such interest shown by the BCCI officials, They are here to attend an ICC meeting. But they even did not broach this topic with us, nor did we offer them,” said the source.

While not ruling out the possibility entirely, the source emphasised, “Maybe they can decide later on to shift the tournament, but as of now there is nothing like that and these are mere speculations by a section of the media. In future, if they show any interest, it shall be communicated to the media through a proper channel."

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Talking about hosting the tournament in different stadiums within India the source said, “IPL is an Indian tournament and it has more charm and appeal when it is played there. India is a huge country and they have a very strong infrastructure with a lot of cricket stadiums to hold such tournaments."