It's a privilege to host IPL in the UAE, says Sheikh Nahyan

Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman AB de Villiers plays a shot against Mumbai Indians during an IPL match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. - PTI file

Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, termed the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the 'pinnacle event of our favourite sport' and said that the UAE is extremely privileged to play gracious hosts to cricket's showpiece.
The UAE will leave no stone unturned as it rolls out the red carpet again for the popular and the world's richest cricket league for the second time in six years. And unlike 2014, where the UAE had a slice of the action (20 of the 60 fixtures), the country will have the whole cake this time, with the entire 13th season to be played here from September 19 to November 10.
As the ECB confirmed on Tuesday that they had received the official clearance from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host the prestigious league, Sheikh Nahyan promised the UAE's unwavering support in delivering another successful event.
"We feel extremely privileged to host what could be considered the pinnacle-event of our favourite sport," Sheikh Nahyan said in a statement.
"The magnitude of being in a position to bring the IPL to the vast cricket-loving global community, during current events which have greatly impacted our daily lives, is one we take with extreme importance. This is undoubtedly the highest-profile cricketing-event to be held in the UAE and our team will continue to support all facets (of the tournament) and work toward delivering a successful event for the enjoyment of all sports fans, here in the UAE, in India and across the world," he added.
But even before the tournament proper, the UAE will be home to the IPL maybe from as early as next week with franchises bracing to touch base and set up camp to tune-up for the extravaganza. The tournament will play out at UAE's world class cricket venues - the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the historic Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Sheikh Nahyan said that the UAE and the ECB are working with various entities to ensure the smooth conduct of the competition, in a safe environment.
"The UAE is well-versed in delivering successful events - sporting and lifestyle - and we remain in very close contact with the BCCI, IPL committees, the UAE Government and Ministries, our Health Authority, as well as many other entities, who are all experts in their respective fields and it is our collective intent that the tournament be played in a safe, enjoyable environment. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has worked tirelessly to bring the 'IPL 2020' to the UAE," said Sheikh Nahyan.
In a way, it is a dream come true for Sheikh Nahyan, who had hoped back in 2014 that the competition will make a return to the UAE.
"We are honoured to have the first leg of the IPL here. We have a long-lasting friendship with India. We hope we can hold the IPL in the UAE in the near future," he had said then.
james@khaleejtimes.com