 Cricket is followed by Dubai 's large community of Indians and Pakistanis alongside the residents from other cricket playing nations ( Sri Lanka , Bangladesh , England , Australia , South Africa and Nepal ) . In 2005 , the International Cricket Council ( ICC ) moved its headquarters from London to Dubai . The city has hosted several Pakistan matches and two new grass grounds are being developed in Dubai Sports City . Numerous tournaments also take place in Dubai . Since Pakistan played Australia in a One @-@ Day International in Dubai in 2009 , not only have top international teams competed in the city , but the emirate is helping to improve the standard of cricket around the world with the ICC Cricket Academy , a training and coaching facility which is used by the world ’ s leading nations . Board of Control for Cricket in India played some Indian Premier League matches here . 
