"We should first wait to find out the programme for the elections," BCCI president N Srinivasan said, emerging from the board's working committee meeting.
The cricket board's move followed the Union home ministry making it clear that it cannot provide security for the Twenty20 tournament as it would coincide with the election season. The tourney is expected to be held from April to June, while the Lok Sabha polls would be conducted in April and May.
Srinivasan said South Africa, Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be possible destinations if a part of the tournament is shifted abroad.
"IPL chairman Ranjib Biswal informed the working committee that South Africa, Bangladesh and United Emirates board have expressed support and interest to host IPL," he said, adding, "If necessary, part of the matches would be played abroad. After elections, IPL matches can be played in India," he noted.
BCCI sources said South Africa, where the second edition of IPL was held in 2009 due to general polls, might be preferred for the forthcoming season as it had the experience in organizing the T20 mega event, quality infrastructure and the timings would suit the Indian TV viewers. "But efforts would be made to have majority of the matches played inside the country," a source said.
Board sources said that the working committee also discussed Indian team's dismal performance on the recent tours of South Africa and New Zealand. Former BCCI treasurer and Punjab Cricket Association secretary MP Pandove reportedly raised the issue of India losing Test and ODI series in both countries.
"The performance of Indian coach Duncan Fletcher also came up for deliberation," a source disclosed. However, Srinivasan discounted media reports about the possibility of Fletcher getting sacking and said, "I don't know from where such reports are emanating."
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