Chennai: The Champions League is likely to be played in five venues across India from October 10-28. The cities that are in the running for hosting the tournament are Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore and New Delhi.

The final will be played either in Chennai or New Delhi while the opening ceremony is likely to be in Kolkata. Even though the tournament starts on October 10, the opening ceremony will only take place on October 13 because on the first three days, the qualifiers will be played.

The three teams from India in the fray are KKR, CSK and Delhi Daredevils, while defending champions Mumbai Indians will have to go through the qualifiers. Eden Gardens would have been a firm contender to host the final, but the Durga Pujas from October 20-25 has ruled them out of contention.

Chennai Super Kings' games will be held in Chennai while Kolkata have asked for October 13, 15 and 17 to host KKR's matches. The Champions League organising committee will take a final decision on the issue.

Meanwhile, the organising committee is still awaiting the clearance of Sialkot Stallions' participation in the Champions League from the central government. But the Board officials expect that it will come before May 28, before they draw up the fixtures for the tournament.