COVID-19 pandemic forces ICC to postpone T20 World Cup

After four months of months of anticipation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to postpone this year’s T20 World Cup that was scheduled to be held in Australia in October and November. The council arrived at a decision in a meeting held virtually on July 21. It also paves the way for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to host this year’s Indian Premier League (IPL) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The ICC also renewed the dates of 2023 ODI World Cup in India from February- March to October- November with the final on November 26. The ICC took the decision so that additional time will be used to reschedule games (bilateral and domestic) that might be lost because of the pandemic and also ensure an appropriate qualification process.

This means that there will be three consecutive ICC World Cup years, T20 versions in 2021 and 2022 and 50-over version in 2023.

A decision on whether India continues to host the 2021 T20 World Cup or whether it will go to Australia will be taken later. Earlier, the ICC has threatened to pull back India’s hosting rights for the 2021 T20 World Cup unless the BCCI resolves a long- standing tax exemption issue with the Indian government.

The Board will also continue to evaluate the situation in relation to being able to stage the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021.

Now the BCCI can take a decision about conducting the money spinner tournament IPL after seeking the government permission. BCCI will take a decision during the IPL governing council meeting this week. It is said that BCCI’s contingency plan includes either a 43-day or 50-day closed- door IPL, starting September 26.