The Twenty20 World Cup was due to begin this October in Australia, but as with many other sporting events, has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the news in a statement in the early hours of Tuesday morning, as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.
“At today’s meeting … windows for the next three ICC men’s events were also agreed to bring clarity to the calendar and give the sport the best possible opportunity,” the statement read.
There had been doubt around the World Cup since May, with the chances of bringing 16 teams from around the world together in Australia unlikely due to various travel restrictions.
BREAKING: The 2020 @T20WorldCup has been postponed.
DETAILS 👇 https://t.co/O8pZAjwf9R pic.twitter.com/ZGF5pKxS7n
— ICC (@ICC) July 20, 2020
The postponement of the World Cup has changed the international cricket calendar and there will now be back-to-back men’s T20 World Cups in 2021 and 2022. The 50-over World Cup will take place in India in 2023, according to the ABC.
“It’s been a challenging time for everyone,” Cricket Australia’s interim CEO, Nick Hockley said.
“We are confident that with this decision, we will give ourselves the best chance to safely welcome fans into the outstanding venues across the country to enjoy watching the world’s best men’s cricketers compete in this major global event in either 2021 or 2022.
“Cricket Australia now looks forward to hosting a safe and successful summer of bi-lateral cricket.”
Pre-coronavirus, India was set to host the 2021 Twenty20 World Cup, but the ICC has not specified whether Australia or India will host which edition.
According to the ABC, the ICC will continue to monitor the situation as it prepares for the 2021 women’s 50-overs World Cup, which is currently scheduled to take place in New Zealand from February 6.
Read more stories from TheLatch— and follow us on Facebook.
