Dubai has emerged as a strong contender for the International Cricket Council's (ICC) headquarters again.

According to a source in London, "the ICC has been looking for a venue to shift its headquarters from London and Dubai has again emerged as a strong possibility."

ICC President Ehsan Mani and Chief Executive Malcolm Speed are expected to be in Dubai next week, where they are expected to hold talks with the Dubai government officials on this matter.

Almost a huge percentage of staff salaries go out as taxes, resulting in major expenses for the ICC in maintaining its headquarters at Lord's, London.

In 2002, several sports bodies, including the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) had shifted their headquarters from London due to this reason.

The ICC too explored possibilities of shifting its headquarters to Monte Carlo and got in touch with the Monaco government. Though the ICC would have been exempted from paying taxes in Monte Carlo, for some reason they decided to stay on in London.

According to information, the shift did not materialise since there wasn't much time left for the start of the 2003 World Cup.

Though Malaysia is also a strong contender, Dubai might be selected due to it's no taxation policy and central location.

With Emirates Airlines as ICC's main sponsors, Dubai could be a comfortable venue for cricket officials to attend meetings.

Incidentally, the ICC in the recent past has been hosting many meetings of its various committees in Dubai.

Significantly, the ICC cricket development committee meeting is scheduled to be held on May 15 and 16 in Dubai.