Cricket Australia is not keen to host the ICC T20 World Cup this year. That makes postponement of the tournament imminent from its October-November 2020 schedule.
Even as a final nod will come from the International Cricket Council Board, Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts has almost confirmed to the media that due to the “high risk” posed by the COVID-19 pandemic the T20 World Cup this year might not be possible.
According to media reports, contrary to the speculation Cricket Australia is more keen on hosting the T20 World Cup next year either during February-March or October-November. If the ICC Board fails to reach a consensus on the T20 World Cup during February-March next year, CA would propose to shift the next edition in India from 2021 to 2022 and instead allot the same window for the tournament Down Under.
Kevin Roberts on Friday had all but confirmed that the T20 World Cup will be postponed as he explained that hosting the event this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic is of ‘high risk’.
“Obviously, we’ve been hopeful all along that it could be staged in October-November but you would have to say there is a very high risk about the prospect of that happening,” Roberts briefed media in a video call.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India, it is learnt, might not object to the proposal for two prime reasons. First, the decision to defer the T20 World Cup this year provide a ready slot to go ahead with the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League. Secondly, the IPL 2021 will also become free from the pressure of closely following another premium T20 tournament.
The issue will now be discussed at the ICC Board teleconference on June 10. He then suggested two windows where the event could be held. “In the event that that doesn’t happen, there are potential windows in the February-March period, October-November the following year,” he said.