IPL in the UAE: No Shah Rukh Khan opening ceremony show in Abu Dhabi

There is bad news for Bollywood fans hoping to catch Shah Rukh Khan in concert in the UAE later this month.

Reports on Wednesday had claimed that Khan was set to headline the Indian Premier League's opening ceremony on April 15 ahead of the tournament's two-week, 20 match stint in the UAE.

However, organisers have confirmed that contrary to reports there will be no opening ceremony for the tournament's eagerly-anticipated seventh edition, which kicks off in the UAE on April 16.

"The opening ceremony has been dropped and on April 15 we will have a gala dinner," BCCI Chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty told Emirates 24|7.

It is understood, however, that Khan, who co-owns IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, will attend the glitzy gala dinner which is being held at the magnificent Emirates Palace in the UAE capital.

Reigning champions Mumbai Indians kick off proceedings against Khan's franchise Kolkata, champions in 2012, at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium on April 16.

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Tickets for the T20 extravaganza go on sale from 12pm on Thursday, April 3 with the briefs priced as the following:

- ABU DHABI (hosting seven matches in total): Dh20 for a single match: Dh30 for double-headers.

- DUBAI (seven matches): Dh30 for a single match and Dh50 for a double-header.

- SHARJAH (six matches): A single match in Sharjah, which is staging six matches, will also be Dh30 although double-headers are Dh10 cheaper than Dubai at Dh40.

Tickets can be purchased online on www.iplt20.com and www.ticketmaster.ae.

They will also be available at selected Lulu Hypermarkets in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, from Sunday, April 6, whilst stadium box-office sales will start on Thursday, April 10.