BCCI gives clean chit to UAE venues

A team from BCCI has given their go-ahead after inspecting the three venues across the United Arab Emirates which was awarded the hosting rights for 20 matches in the upcoming Indian Premier League’s first leg.

The venue inspection team comprising M V Sridhar (GM –– Cricket Operations, BCCI) and PR Vishwanathan (curator) visited the grounds on Friday and Saturday.“We are very happy with the facilities at the venues that will host the UAE leg of IPL 2014. The infrastructure is on par with any of the leading international venues,” Sridhar said in a statement.

“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,” he added.

The officials visited the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Cricket Stadium and Dubai International Cricket Stadium. They also visited the ICC Academy in Dubai.

“The primary purpose of the exercise was to assess the ground conditions, status of the pitches, outfield and practice facilities, at the venues,” BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in the statement. “The team also inspected the facilities that are in place for the players, match officials and umpires.”