The International Cricket Council played down speculation about this year’s T20 World Cup might be pushed back to 2021 but confessed is “exploring all options” with concerns to contingency planning.
Australia is due to stage the global tournament from October 18 to November 15. However, many major sporting events have already been postponed or canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the start of the T20 World Cup still six months away, the ICC has time on its side, and while it is preparing to push ahead with all its competitions at present, the current unpredictability means that might change.
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1245856090459258880
An ICC representative said: “We are continuing with our planning for ICC events as they are; however, given the rapidly developing situation as an accountable and sensible measure, we are also undertaking a detailed contingency planning exercise.
We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government, and will make decisions at a suitable time.
We will make use of all the data and information readily available to us to ensure we can make well-informed, responsible decisions that are in the best interests of our sport.
Cricket Australia’s decision to stand down the majority of its staff from April 27 for two months is understood to have little bearing on the T20 World Cup as the local organizing committee is still in post.
The governing body has already indicated its willingness to stage the tournament, even if social distancing measures indicate it would have to take place behind closed doors. Still, the ICC warned it would take no chances.
The representative added: “Our first responsibility is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community, and we will take a safety-first approach to all operations over the coming months.”
