Start of the IPL, Man City v PSG and the five biggest sports events of the week

The IPL T20 tournament, plenty of football action inside and outside the UAE, Pacquiao’s fight and clay court tennis are among the things to look forward to over the next seven days.

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Indian Premier League, starts Saturday

The ninth season of the Twenty20 cricket season begins on Saturday, with reigning champions Mumbai Indians hosting new team Rising Pune Supergiants. Seven of the 60 matches, involving eight franchises, will be played over the week.

Manchester City v Paris Saint Germain, Tuesday

The second leg of the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals will be played over two nights, with Manchester City hosting Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday. With their tie poised at 2-2, a win will deliver the Premier League team their first Champions League semi-final spot.

Pacquiao v Bradley, Saturday night/Sunday morning

Manny Pacquiao will face Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas for the third time. Bradley won from a controversial decision in 2012, leading to a rematch two years ago that Pacquiao clinched. This fight will be followed keenly given the rumours the Filipino may retire.

Al Ahli v Al Ain, Thursday

The Arabian Gulf League’s top two sides will lock horns at Rashid Stadium in Dubai, with just one point separating the home team Ahli from the Garden City club. It will be hard to pick a winner, but Cosmin Olaroiu’s men may have an ever-so-slight edge.

Monte Carlo Masters, starts Sunday

With the clay court season getting underway in Europe, Monte Carlo could help fans gauge the form of world No 1 Novak Djokovic as well that of Rafael Nadal as they prepare for the French Open, the season’s second grand slam tournament, in May-June.