DUBAI // The International Cricket Council (ICC) will officially discuss moving away from the UAE for the first time today, when the executive board meet at Dubai Sports City.
But the potential departure of cricket's governing body could be offset by the possibility of the UAE hosting Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. Lalit Modi, the IPL commissioner, was given a guided tour of Sports City during the opening World Twenty20 qualifier matches last night.
"There are plans in the works to hold IPL matches overseas," said Modi. "We are looking at a shorter version of the league post the IPL seasons, which will help us take the game to the fans across the globe. Initially we are looking at markets which have large Indian and cricket loving populations such as the Middle East, USA, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangkok, Canada and others."
However, today's agenda will focus on the ICC's headquarters relocating back to London where they were based at Lord's for 96 years. They moved to Dubai in 2005 for, among other reasons, financial benefits.
Haroon Lorgat, the ICC chief executive, and David Morgan, the president, commissioned a feasibility study after the ICC executive board proposed a move. Lorgat said: "For the first time the matter will be considered seriously."
The MCC, the owners of Lord's, have indicated they would be receptive to the idea of making space for the ICC within their £400million (Dh2.3m) redevelopment.
Lorgat, though, believes the UAE will continue to be a major cricket hub, irrespective of whether the ICC move. He added: "The fact the ICC may or may not be here should not effect Pakistan wanting to play so called 'home' fixtures in Dubai. Pakistan would be looking and seeking to play fixtures on neutral venues. It is a fantastic stadium at Dubai Sports City, and there is no doubt they will continue to use it."
Lorgat also confirmed that the ICC have a long-term commitment to Sports City, via their Global Cricket Academy.
He said: "Quite unrelated to where the offices are located, the ICC Global Cricket Academy will be here. It is a fantastic facility, and is located in an area where a lot of the international teams even can pass through and make use of it."
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A foster couple or family must:
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- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
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Water waste
In the UAE’s arid climate, small shrubs, bushes and flower beds usually require about six litres of water per square metre, daily. That increases to 12 litres per square metre a day for small trees, and 300 litres for palm trees.
Horticulturists suggest the best time for watering is before 8am or after 6pm, when water won't be dried up by the sun.
A global report published by the Water Resources Institute in August, ranked the UAE 10th out of 164 nations where water supplies are most stretched.
The Emirates is the world’s third largest per capita water consumer after the US and Canada.
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- Join parent networks
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Schedule:
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2nd ODI, Fri Apr 12
3rd ODI, Sun Apr 14
4th ODI, Sun Apr 16
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Peter Moor (captain), Solomon Mire, Brian Chari, Regis Chakabva, Sean Williams, Timycen Maruma, Sikandar Raza, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu, Craig Ervine, Brandon Mavuta, Ainsley Ndlovu, Tony Munyonga, Elton Chigumbura
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In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
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Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
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