DUBAI // UAE cricket administrators are open to the idea of staging an Indian Premier League-style Twenty20 tournament on these shores on behalf of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Given the ongoing security concerns of international players over travelling to Pakistan, the PCB said they would struggle to attract enough star names to make a competition viable in their own country.
Instead they are looking to the Gulf, with Sultan Rana, the chief of the PCB's domestic cricket department, saying earlier this week that Dubai would be their ideal destination.
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Any potential tournament would probably be played at three venues, in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, and would have to be sanctioned by the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
While they would be keen to host a high-profile competition befitting the top-class stadiums in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the ECB insist they have not been formally approached over the idea in recent times. However, Dilawar Mani, the chief executive of the ECB, believes the PCB's latest comments could be a revival of discussions which first took place two years ago.
"We have not had a request to stage an event, but obviously once we receive it, that is when the [ECB] will review it and look at the pros and cons," Mani said.
"We are not aware of it, as such. There was a discussion a couple of years ago, but nothing happened after that."
The UAE has been frequently linked to the game's most lucrative T20 competitions in the past.
Dubai Sports City bosses tentatively explored the possibility of bidding for an IPL franchise when the league expanded ahead of this season.
However, Lalit Modi, the former commissioner of the IPL, ruled the competition was only open to Indian-based sides, and Kochi and Pune were added instead.
Abu Dhabi was also mooted as a potential venue when Modi, as part of the spat which eventually brought his downfall, suggested Kochi were planning to base themselves in the capital while construction of their own home ground was taking place.
Mani ruled out any involvement in the IPL then, but has always expressed an open mind on the subject.
"Should there be a commercially viable proposal on a T20 format then of course we would be interested," he said back then.
The Emirates already have experience of staging T20 tournaments. Last year, the Bangladesh Cricket Board's own take on the IPL took place at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and involved the majority of Pakistan's leading players.
The ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, which has been expanded to 16 nations, will also return to Dubai Sports City next March.
The city hosted the event last year.
pradley@thenational.ae
The years Ramadan fell in May
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
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2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, Leon.
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
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- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
