It is reported that the T20 World Cup set to be played from October 18 to November 15 in Australia is expected to be deferred. The official announcement is expected to be made in the upcoming week by the International Cricket Council. The T20 World Cup is hanging on by a thin thread and there is no doubt that Cricket Australia and ICC will need to take some bold decisions if they are to host the event.
There are a lot of hurdles that are currently being faced by the ICC and CA. It looks almost impossible that 15 teams will be able to travel to Australia for the T20I showpiece. Furthermore, it is going to be tough logistically to manage the event.
T20 World Cup could be replaced by the IPL.
The Australian government has also barred travel restriction till mid-September in the wake of coronavirus. Moreover, the cricket boards are expected to go for the bilateral series which will help them in making up for the heavy monetary losses they have incurred during the Covid-19 era.
Consequently, the talks are going on that the IPL might replace the T20 World Cup in October-November, and BCCI can get the window.
Meanwhile, things will be clarified after the member boards will discuss the possibility of the T20 World Cup. The ICC board meeting will take place on May 28.
According to the report, there could be three possibilities for the T20 World Cup.
- Australia could host the tournament in February/March but then it may collide with next year IPL.
- Australia and India can swap hosting rights. Thus, Australia can host the event in 2021 whereas India will host in 2022.
- Australia could host the tournament in 2022
The T20 World Cup looks unlikely to take place in October-November and it would be interesting to note the final call of the ICC.
