CHENNAI (TIP): The seventh edition of the IPL will be flagged off in the UAE, which will host the first 20 matches, but the tournament is likely to come back to India from May 1.

In March 18 IPL governing council meeting, six affiliated units – Karnataka, Gujarat, Kochi, Hyderabad, Orissa and Jharkhand – assured the BCCI that they have received clearances from the respective state governments to host IPL matches from May 1-15. “They have submitted letters to the BCCI stating they are ready to host IPL matches during this 15-day window.

That’s why we’re planning to get the league back to India after the first 15 days in UAE,” a source told mediaperson. BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel, too, confirmed the development. “Pursuant to the initiative taken by the Union ministry of home affairs, many state governments have indicated that IPL matches can be conducted in their respective states,” Patel said in a statement after the meeting here.

“Based on the responses received so far, the BCCI believes that the IPL can be conducted in India from the first week of May.” Bangladesh was kept on standby for this second phase of the tournament but it seems the need may not arise. IPL franchises, too, are happy with the development because they want the least number of matches to move out of India. “The franchises are relieved. But we’re still awaiting the final clearance, which will probably come very soon,” the source added.It is also learnt that the BCCI will bear the cost of acquiring the grounds for the UAE leg.

“That amount will be paid to the UAE board by BCCI. The rest of the expenses will have to be shouldered by the franchises,” the source added.The BCCI will also restrict the number of persons in the dug-out following the spot-fixing saga last year. The board will also monitor the movements of players after the match. “We’re in constant touch with the Anti-Corruption Unit officials and every step will be taken to avoid any controversy,” the source added.There won’t be any home-away system either once the matches are back in India. “It is impossible to allot a specific number of home and away games for a certain franchise. It has to be according to the availability of the grounds.”