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New Delhi: With the auction of the seventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) less than a week away, there is still no clarity on the venue where the tournament will be held. The franchises feel that having clarity on the venue would help in planning the composition of their teams.

While some sources have said that the tournament could be played in two parts — the first half being held in either Bangladesh or Sri Lanka and the business end being played in India — others feel that the tournament will be played in India with the dates of the matches being weaved around the dates of the general elections.

Speaking to MAIL TODAY, the coach of one of the franchises said that it is an important aspect that the management needs to keep in mind while chalking out the blue print of the team and hopefully the governing council will give them some clarity on the issue.

“It is definitely an important consideration when you sit down on February 12 to pick the team and hopefully we will get some clarity before the auction. Even then, we are trying to cover all bases as we don’t exactly know the conditions we will be offered,” he said.

A member of the management of another franchise echoed his sentiments. “If you look at Kolkata, they will be picking a squad which will be filled with spinners and slow bowlers considering the nature of the wicket at Eden Gardens. Similarly, Rajasthan will go in for an attack which shall have its strength in pace bowling, considering their home turf assists pacers. Now if the first half is played in Bangladesh on flat decks, both teams are in a mess. So the venues are just as important in strategising,” he told MAIL TODAY.

With the IPL governing council making it clear that the final call will be taken only after the elections dates are announced, the teams are likely to go into the auction without any idea on the venues.

Courtesy: CRICKET YAHOO

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