Basil
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BCCI likely to finalise overseas venue for IPL7 today a
New Delhi: A final decision on the venues for the seventh edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to be announced after Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) honchos meet Union Home Ministry officials on Monday.
According to reliable sources, in all likelihood, the BCCI will host majority of the matches in India as franchises have expressed their desire to hold the tournament in the country to avoid financial losses. It is believed that franchises could suffer losses as high as 40 percent if the majority of matches are staged on foreign soil.
As of now, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bangladesh are considered favourites to land the right to host the cash-rich cricket tournament. Despite the BCCI`s expressed preference of South Africa as an alternate venue to host the T20 tournament, the UAE has emerged as a strong contender with many franchises giving their nod for the Emirates.
The main reason for South Africa not being considered for the tournament is because the country will also hold polls in May like India. Also, the South African authorities have expressed their desire to host the entire tournament there, instead of the first-half.
The Election Commission of India has announced the dates of the 16th General Elections, which will be held in nine phases from April 7 to May 12. The counting of votes in all the 543 Lok Sabha constituencies will start on May 16.
Earlier, the BCCI had announced that the tournament window will be from April 9 to June 3. And once the counting is over, the tournament will return to India, according to sources.
