Abu Dhabi Won't Host T20 Champs League

Warne and his IPL mates won't be heading to Abu Dhabi.

The Abu Dhabi Cricket Council has ruled itself out of hosting the proposed ICC Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

The capital of the United Arab Emirates was a potential venue for the proposed eight-team event, featuring the top two teams from domestic competition in Australia, England, South Africa and India.

The tournament is scheduled to be held in the 10-day window between the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan and India's first Test against Australia in October.

But Dilawar Mani, the president of the Abu Dhabi Cricket Council, said the UAE would not be able to host the event this year as at least two venues are required.

"We are happy that Abu Dhabi has been named as a potential venue for the Champions League but I am afraid the event may not come to the UAE this year," Mani told Gulf News.

"Two venues are needed and we are ready but with the Dubai venue not so until April next year, Sharjah is the only other venue at present.

"But Sharjah is upgrading its facilities and we stand a chance only if the work is completed by September."

Talks between officials of the four boards were held on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council in Dubai last week, but no decisions were made.

Cricket Australia has been charged with the task of drawing up the rules for the tournament.

Unconfirmed reports, however, said the tournament would be held in India with New Delhi and Jaipur to be the main venues and Bangalore listed as a possible third venue.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are set to meet the West Indies in a three-match one-day series in Abu Dhabi in November.

"November is an excellent time to play cricket in Abu Dhabi with the weather at its best," added Mani.

"The dates have been approved by the two teams and we are working on various aspects in connection with the series."