NEW DELHI – Indian Premier League (IPL) could well be moved to the UnitedArab Emirates (UAE). While talks are still in a nascent stage, it could bethe more favoured venue as UAE played host to the IPL even in 2014. Thefirst half of the league was played in UAE before the cash-rich leaguereturned to India in the business end.

Speaking to CricketNext, IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla said: “With the LokSabha elections set to take place, UAE is definitely one of the options,but a final call will be taken after taking the view of all thestakeholders.”

Another official said that there are two sides to the scenario. If theentire tournament has to be shifted due to the elections, then thecash-rich league could well be moved to South Africa, but if it is a caseof a few games or half the league, then UAE is the solution as that islogistically also more viable.

There is also an option of an early election in which case the 12th editionof the IPL will be played in India only.