Asia
IPL to play exibition matches in UAE
Dubai | Wednesday, May 7 2008 IST
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to visit the UAE with a series of exhibition matches between the Kings XI Punjab and local teams. The Abu Dhabi based National English daily today said officials from the Punjab team have proposed playing exhibition matches in the UAE as well as other countries with substantial south Asian populations. ''The IPL has been hugely successful and there is no reason why we cannot take this same format to other countries,'' a Kings XI Punjab official said. ''Obviously these matches taking place outside India will not count towards the IPL competition overall,'' he added. The idea has received a positive reaction from teams such as the Mumbai Indians and the Rajasthan Royals, the report said. The presence of top stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne would draw huge crowds to the Sheikh Zayed cricket stadium in Abu Dhabi, one of the venues being considered for the matches, the report added quoting an unnamed Kings XI Punjab official. Other countries earmarked for what is being dubbed the 'IPL Roadshow' include Canada, Malaysia and Singapore. Teams will play up to four matches against each other, depending on how many decide to take part in the series. The main problem facing officials is that they will have to arrange the overseas encounters in such a way that they do not conflict with any commitments players may have to their national teams. Dates being considered include early December and late January. -- (UNI) -- 07SPD16.xml
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