ICC puts off decision to take call on upcoming T20 World Cup until next month

Dubai (UAE), June 11: In order to explore a number of contingency plans regarding the future of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 and the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Board postponed the decision on conducting both the massive events until next month.

 

The apex cricket governing body even stated that the planning for delivery of the events in the scheduled window is ongoing.

 

Men's T20 WC is supposed to kick start from October 18- November 15 in Australia this year while Women's Cricket WC is scheduled to be held in New Zealand between 6 February and 7 March 2021. However, holding both the events at the scheduled time is in dilemma as the rising risk of the coronavirus pandemic still exists.

 

"The Board expressed its desire to continue to assess and evaluate the rapidly changing public health situation caused by COVID-19 working with key stakeholders including governments to explore how the events can be staged to protect the health and safety of everyone involved, " the ICC statement read.

 

The ICC also stated that the contingency planning process will also evaluate health and safety, cricket, partner, and host considerations ensuring any decision taken is in the best interests of the sport, its members, and fans.

 

Meanwhile, the ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said, “The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport. The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority and other considerations fall out from that. We will only get one chance to make this decision and it needs to be the right one and as such we will continue to consult with our Members, broadcasters, partners, governments, and players and to ensure that we make a well-informed decision.”