An inspection team came away impressed with the UAE’s cricket venues after a two-day visit ahead of next month’s staging of Indian Premier League (IPL) games in the country.
The UAE is to host 20 matches from the 2014 IPL season from April 16 to 30 across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.
A Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) venue inspection team visited Abu Dhabi’s Zayed Cricket Stadium, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and the Dubai International Cricket Stadium as well as the ICC Academy in Dubai to assess the ground conditions, status of the pitch and practice facilities.
“We are very happy with the facilities at the venues that will be hosting the UAE leg of the Pepsi IPL 2014. The infrastructure is on par with any of the leading international venues,” team member Dr MV Sridhar said.
“Considering the amount of cricket that has been played at these venues in the recent past, the ground and pitch maintenance is noteworthy. We are confident that the facilities and ground conditions will provide the platform for an exciting first leg of the Pepsi IPL 2014.”
The team also inspected the facilities in place for the players, match officials and umpires, including the dressing rooms and medical arrangements.
The next job for the inspection team is the planning of training schedules for all eight teams participating in the IPL 2014, with sides expected to arrive in the UAE in the second week of April.
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