It is easy to become pretty blase about international cricket in the UAE. The region has an old, established association with top-quality international matches.
Since 2008, it has been a regular home for Pakistan’s matches. But when the Indian Premier League arrives in town from April 16, well, that might be a different ball game altogether.
With all due respect to Pakistan’s bilateral series here, as global impact goes, few contests beat the IPL.
Not since Sharjah was swinging in the 1980s and '90s, staging the big matches of the day, will the region have seen any cricket as loud and bold as the IPL.
Since it became clear late last year that the IPL might have to move outside India this season, it was obvious the UAE offered an ideal venue, if the Indian board could overcome its ambiguity about playing here. It was close to India, had world-class stadiums and a ready-made infrastructure and a ready-made fan base.
Perhaps the decision had to be taken out, partially, from the board's hands and put into the hands of simple capitalism. In this case a number of franchises had expressed their preference for the UAE because it was logistically and commercially far more feasible.
It may be a one-off visit, but it will also be a good indicator of fan interest in the country.
Pakistan’s limited-overs matches have drawn decent crowds in the past, but the IPL will hope that the stadiums in Abu Dhabi (20,000), Dubai (25,000) and Sharjah (16,000) are packed to the rafters. Packed, heaving stadiums, after all, have been one of the defining images of the IPL over the years.
sports@thenational.ae
