ICC still planning for T20 World Cup to start in October despite threat of coronavirus

Cricket's governing body have deferred decision on whether to postpone the competition for another month

KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL - APRIL 03: The West Indies lift the ICC World T20 trophy after winning the ICC World Twenty20 India 2016 Final between England and the West Indies at Eden Gardens on April 3, 201Show more

The ICC say they are still planning on staging the T20 World Cup as scheduled in October and November, although they continue to explore “a number of contingency plans”.

They deferred a decision on whether to postpone the competition for another month, after a board meeting on Wednesday.

“The situation surrounding the global pandemic is evolving rapidly and we want to give ourselves the best possible opportunity to make the right decision for the whole sport,” Manu Sawhney, the ICC chief executive said.

“The health and well-being of everyone involved is our priority, and other considerations fall out from that.

“We will only get one chance to make this decision, and it needs to be the right one.

“As such we will continue to consult with our members, broadcasters, partners, governments and players and to ensure that we make a well informed decision.”

According to a leaked email last month, Cricket Australia had suggested the tournament be delayed for a year.

Although the situation related to coronavirus in Australia has improved, travel restrictions make the viability of a tournament involving 16 international teams unclear.

Another consideration is the financial impact there would be on the tournament if spectator numbers were limited, or not permitted at all, at the venues.

“The board expressed its desire to continue to assess and evaluate the rapidly changing public health situation caused by Covid-19 working with key stakeholders including governments to explore how the events can be staged to protect the health and safety of everyone involved,” the ICC said in a statement.