UAE wants to host cricket World Cup

Cricket authorities in the United Arab Emirates are eyeing the 2027 World Cup.

The UAE has been hosting cricket tournaments since the 1980s and Sharjah holds the record of the most number of One-Day Internationals played at a single venue.

Pakistan, since the 2009 Lahore attacks, play their home series in the UAE while Afghanistan also play their home matches in Sharjah.

The seventh edition of the India Premier League kicks off in Abu Dhabi next month with Dubai and Sharjah also hosting a total of 20 matches after the opening part of the event was moved out of India due to general elections.

Bidding plans

Venues for the next three cricket World Cups have already been confirmed – Australia/New Zealand, England and India – but the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) is keen to enter a bid when planning for the 2027 World Cup starts.

“Although there is no ongoing process right now, we can certainly have a look at it when the bidding starts,” ECB chief David East told Al Jazeera. “That is certainly part of our aim and ambition and we can use our world-class facilities to make it happen.

“The UAE is a desirable location for many reasons and we have three world-class locations at short travel distance that we can offer. The weather here during winter also works in our favour. Just like the IPL, we can consider whatever opportunities present themselves to us.”

The UAE recently hosted the U-19 World Cup, won by South Africa, and is Pakistan’s home series against Australia is scheduled to be held there later this year.

PCB's plans 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Najam Sethi was also recently quoted saying that the board was looking into not only playing a series against India in the region but also scheduling their Twenty20 league in the UAE as well.

“With India now deciding to host IPL matches in the UAE, it is a good sign for us as we can also play India at these venues if they don’t want to tour Pakistan,” Sethi had said.
“We are working fast track on having the Super League T20 soon even if we have to organise it in the UAE because this is one way of improving our financial health.”