West Indies Tour Of England Postponed Due To COVID-19 Outbreak
Published - 24 Apr 2020, 06:10 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:05 AM
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Another bilateral series has been postponed due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic across the globe. This time, West Indies’ tour of England has been deferred to a later date due to the rapid spread of the virus in the UK and the majority of the European continent.
England’s men were due to play three Tests against the West Indies, starting 4 June, followed by a visit from Australia, Pakistan and Ireland. The women were set for two Twenty internationals against India, followed by four one-day internationals in July. After a board meeting on Thursday, the ECB said blocks for domestic first-class and limited-overs cricket will be included in a new schedule.
The shutdown on cricket in England and Wales will remain until at least 1 July, meaning the postponement of England’s Test series against West Indies.
England-West Indies Test Series Postponed Due To COVID-19
ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said, “As much as we remain hopeful that we can deliver some cricket this summer, we are in the midst of a worldwide crisis and our priority – over and above the playing of professional sport – will be to protect the vulnerable, key workers and society as a whole.”
“That’s why, simply put, there will be no cricket unless it’s safe to play. Our schedule will only go ahead if government guidance permits,” Harrison added.
Major Cricketing Events Come To A Hold After Coronavirus
Recently, the IPL 2020 was suspended indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. To the disappointment of the cricket fans, the India-South Africa ODI series has also been called off. Apart from it, the Road Safety World Series has also been suspended.
The ECB had decided to postpone the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka due to the coronavirus pandemic. The series was to be a part of the World Test Championship (WTC).
All the English players playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) were called back immediately, and the tournament has been postponed.
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