Its Pretty Much Official!, IPL 13 To Happen From Sept 19 To Nov 8 In UAE; Confirms Governing Council Chairman

After a PTI report on Thursday citing BCCI sources, put out the dates for 13th edition of the tournament in public domain, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that the flagship T20 would take place in the middle East Nation and reaffirmed the Sept 26-Nov 8 corridor for the staging of the tournament.

Photo: @IPL (Twitter)

It is no longer a speculation but very much a reality that the thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in the United Arab Emirates from September 19 to November 8. After a PTI report on Thursday citing BCCI sources, put out the dates for the tournament in public domain, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that the flagship T20 would take place in the middle East Nation and put out the window of play from September 19 to November 8 for the hosting the tournament in the Middle East nation. The window which seems to be finalised for the IPL could bring about some discussions as the England and Australia cricketers scheduled to compete in the tournament, will be engaging in a limited overs series in the United Kingdom till September 15. The parallel running of the IPL and the Eng vs Aus series  could lead to some of the English and Australian cricketers missing out the first few games of their respective franchises. However, Patel said it shouldn't be an issue and these things are set to be discussed in the Governing Council meeting that is to be held next week. “We have written to the Indian government. We are expecting a reply soon. Once it comes in, an IPL governing council meeting will be called next week to finalise all the other details.” When the governing council meets next week, it will have other decisions to take, whether the home and away format can be retained this year or not. There are three venues in the UAE–Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai--where matches can be staged. Dubai itself has two grounds; apart from the main stadium, there is also the ICC academy ground where T20 internationals of Associate Nations have been staged. Also, the modalities of expenditure, how much would be borne by the franchises and by the board will have to be finalised. “All these issues will be decided by the governing council,” Patel said.