Bhubaneswar: The BCCI Working Committee will meet here on Friday to shortlist two prospective countries that will be kept as alternative venues for the seventh edition of the IPL, which is co-inciding with the general elections.
While South Africa is the front-runner having had the experience of hosting the second season of IPL, the United Arab Emirates is also among the countries being considered for the event to be held between April 9 to June 3.
The final decision on a alternative location will be taken only after the government announces the dates of the general elections as the BCCI is hard-pressed to organise it in India due to pressure from the sponsors.
Meanwhile, some of the other points that is on the agenda include confirming the minutes of the last working committee and also passing the finance committee reports and recommendations.
According to an official, a concrete decision can not be taken right away as the BCCI is still hopeful of organising the bulk of the matches in India.
South Africa has the best facilities to host an event of IPL’s magnitude. Controversies aside, they have the best grounds and the timing of the matches would suit the Indian TV viewers, which is the most important aspect of the cash-rich league. (PTI)