The greatest cricketing show could be rolling into the UAE next year
The IPL (Indian Premier League) attracts a total global television audience of in excess of 700 million people. Add a total internet following of in excess of 1.25 billion. Those are simply staggering numbers and no other sporting event, with the exception of the FIFA World Cup, comes anywhere close. And the brilliant news for the UAE is that the 12th edition of this colossus of cricketing events may well be staged in its entirety in the Emirates in 2019.
The reason is the probable date clash with the Indian general elections next year. Getting, 814,500,000 (and counting) eligible voters to turn out at polling stations throughout the vast country is an epic task in itself. Combine that with the second biggest sporting event in the world and you have a recipe for total chaos.
The addition of heightened security risks during election periods, means that the Board of Control for Cricket in India will have to make alternative arrangements should the dates for the two events overlap in any way. And while the election dates are yet to be confirmed, the IPL 2019 dates of March 29th to May 19th are already set in stone.
This isn’t the first time such clashes have occurred. The 2009 edition of the event was held in South Africa and the UAE played host to opening rounds of the league back in 2014.
An anonymous source from the BCCI said:
“Well, we will only take a call when the situation arises, but we are ready for any such eventuality. United Arab Emirates looks to be the most likely country where it would be shifted if need be.”
He went on to point out one big benefit of a switch to the UAE over South Africa by stating:
“UAE’s time zone suits the Indian audience unlike South Africa.”
Cricket matches are played in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai ensuring plenty of benefit to both businesses and customers throughout the region, so come on Mr. Narendra Modi, announce your election date and let the cricketing party begin!
Expat Sport will of course be keeping its ears close to the ground on your behalf, bringing ongoing updates on this story as they break.
