T20I World Cup 2021: ICC In Talks With BCCI And ECB To Shift Tournament To UAE From India, Final Decision To Arrive In 2 Weeks  

Some ICC sources have alleged that the final decision on ICC T20I World Cup 2021 hosts is going to be announced in two weeks. ICC has been in constant contact with Emirates Cricket Board and BCCI over shifting the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2021 from India to UAE. This comes after the worsening situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in India. ICC T20I World Cup is going to be held in October-November later this year.

In India, the second wave of Covid-19 has taken a huge toll. About 3-4 lakh Covid-19 cases are arriving on a daily basis. The active cases of Covid-19 have crossed 32 lakh, creating a health crisis in hospitals. Moreover, Covid-19 has also affected IPL 2021. Three players have been tested positive. One match has already been postponed and a few more are going to be rescheduled.

Decision On T20I World Cup Hosts To Arrive In 2 Weeks

Some ICC sources told Pakistan newspaper Dawn that ICC is in contact with Emirates Cricket Board to shift T20 World Cup 2021 in UAE and the final decision will arrive within two weeks.

“The ICC is in contact with the Emirates Cricket Board regarding hosting of the ICC World T20 in the UAE and we can say that almost 80 to 90 percent matter has been discussed and issues sorted out. Now the ICC and the BCCI are in final stage of discussion about shifting the mega event to the UAE and an announcement to this effect is likely to be made in the next two weeks,” the sources informed.

ICC does not want to postpone the T20 World Cup since the tournament has been already postponed once. ICC T20 World was slated to happen in Australia last year in 2020 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, India was chosen as the new host for the tournament.

Covid-19 has also affected IPL 2021 in India. Kolkata Knight Riders players Sandeep Warrior and Varun Chakravarthy were tested positive for Covid-19. As a result, the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore match on Monday was postponed. Moreover, three members of Chennai Super Kings were also tested positive for Covid-19 and the team has been asked by BCCI to go under quarantine. As a result, Chennai Super Kings’ upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals on May 5 is also going to be rescheduled.

On Tuesday, Delhi Capitals’ Amit Mishra was also reported to have contact Covid-19. As a result, the Delhi Capitals team has been directed to go under quarantine. As a result, Delhi Capitals’ upcoming matches might also be postponed.