IPL 1st half in UAE, 2nd likely in Bangladesh, finals here

The initial phase would be played out at Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will stage the initial phase of cricket tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) while Bangladesh has been put on standby for some matches by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ending weeks of speculation. The event was on Wednesday set from April 16 to June 1.  

The tournament, which had to be partly shifted owing to the general elections, will return to India from May 13 for the final phase, though the BCCI has sought the government's permission to stage matches from May 1.       

An early return would be possible only if the government agrees to provide security to the tournament in states where polling would have concluded.       

The initial phase would be played at three venues, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from April 16 to 30. "At least 16 matches will be held in the UAE. The BCCI is grateful to the Emirates Cricket Board, Chairman H H Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan and the government for their offer of wholehearted support to host IPL," the BCCI said.     

The second half has been tentatively kept in Bangladesh but could be in India if the BCCI managed to get the nod.

"May 13 on (once polling has concluded in all states), the final matches plus the play-offs will be in India. There will be no matches on the counting day of May 16. A schedule will be out soon."

PITCH PERFECT? NOT QUITE

* IPL from April 16 to June 1

* To return to India from May 13 for finals

* Nod sought to stage matches here from May 1

* In case of no nod, 2nd half in Bangladesh