The United Arab Emirates will most likely host next year’s Indian Premier League if the season’s dates clash with India’s general elections.

The 12th edition of the IPL will be held from March 29 to May 19 next year, while the elections will be held around that time of the year as well, although dates have not been announced.

“Well, we will only take a call when the situation arises, but we are ready for any such eventuality,” a BCCI official told PTI. “UAE looks to be the most likely country where it would be shifted if need be. UAE’s time zone suits the Indian audience unlike South Africa.”

The IPL has previously been moved out of India twice because of the general elections. In 2009, the entire tournament was moved to South Africa, while a part of the 2014 season was played in the UAE. The UAE has three cricket venues in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

With inputs from PTI