With the COVID-19 pandemic showing no signs of easing, the T20 World Cup looks certain to be scrapped.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is yet to take a decision, but according to reports in the Australian media, an announcement could be forthcoming any time this week.
The seventh edition of the World T20, featuring 16 teams, was scheduled to be hosted by Australia from October 18 to November 15 this year.
Cricket Australia chairman Earl Edding had admitted in June itself that holding the T20 World Cup in 2020 is ‘unrealistic’.
“While it hasn’t been formally called off this year, or postponed, trying to get 16 countries into Australia in the current world, where most countries are still going through COVID spiking, I think it’s unrealistic, or it’s going to be very, very difficult,” he had said last month.
The ICC was expected to announce the postponement last month, but deferred a decision.
Once the ICC makes its decision formal, a window to stage the postponed IPL – which was scheduled to be held from March 29 – will open up for organizers Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
“We are waiting for the announcement from ICC on T20 World Cup… If it doesn’t take place, we are ready to go with IPL in September-October window, everything is planned and ready. Will have to follow the guidelines and SOPs, for medical and other things,” IPL governing council chairman Brijesh Patel was quoted as saying last month.
