T20 World Cup may be moved to next year

ISLAMABAD: The T20 World Cup scheduled to be hosted by Australia in October-November this year might be readjusted in February-March 2021, it has been reliably learnt from sources in Cricket Australia.

The matter was discussed in the Chief Executives’ Committee meeting hosted by the International Cricket Council via video link on Thursday.

Though no final decision has been taken on the T20 World Cup, it is learnt that chances are that it might be readjusted in February-March in 2021, which might see two T20 World Cups being played — one in India.

“Cricket Australia is seriously considering taking the T20 World Cup to early 2021 due to threats of Covid-19. However, CA is monitoring the situation closely and will take a final decision in due course after consulting its government,” the source told ‘The News’.

Meanwhile, the CEOs of the 12 Full Members and three Associate representatives confirmed their full commitment to work in partnership to address the challenges the sport will face in the coming weeks and months. The meeting heard updates from all attendees regarding the current situation in their own countries.

The CEC was updated on the continuing contingency planning for all ICC global events, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 and the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021. Planning for both events as currently scheduled is ongoing.

There was agreement that the disrupted FTP would need to be collectively reviewed through to 2023 with a view to rescheduling as much of the cricket that has been postponed due to Covid-19 as possible.

Discussions and decisions on this and the future of both the World Test Championship and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League will be held at a later date when there is a greater understanding of the impact of the cricket that has been lost on the competitions.

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “I am grateful to my fellow CEOs for their clear commitment to a unified approach to steering cricket through this pandemic. We will work in partnership for the best outcomes for the sport in relation to both ICC events and bilateral cricket.

“We agreed on the importance of taking well informed, responsible decisions in relation to the resumption of international cricket. The complexities involved in being able to stage ICC global events are extensive to ensure we protect the health and safety of everyone involved and they will be carefully considered before any decisions are arrived at in the best interests of the game.”

CA Chief Executive Kevin Roberts said: “Cricket Australia is working closely with the ICC, the local organising committee and the Australian government so we have a comprehensive understanding of exactly what it will take to be able to play the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 in October in Australia as planned.”

Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “Today’s meeting was the first step in a longer-term process that will enable us to take a joined up approach to decision making as we shape our response to this pandemic to get cricket back on an even keel.

“There has never been a more important time for our global cricket community to be unified and there was a clear commitment from colleagues on today’s call to work in the collective best interest of our sport.”