Cricket Australia Chief Kevin Roberts said they are aiming to host the T20 World Cup as planned despite the onset of the Novel Coronavirus. pandemic. Holders West Indies will be hoping to retain the title in the tournament which is scheduled to begin in October with matches at seven different venues.
In an interview given to cricket.com.au Roberts added, “We’re really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks or a few months’ time. None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we’re back in very much normal circumstance come October and November when the men’s T20 World Cup is to be played. And at this stage we’re planning on November 15, to have a full house at the MCG to inspire the world through men’s cricket as the women’s cricketers did here just last week”. Australia swept to their fifth women’s T20 World Cup title on March 8, crushing India by 85 runs in front of more than 86,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
As the COVID 19 outbreak reached serious proportions, the Australian Cricket season was cancelled. A host of other sports events were either postponed or suspended. With more than 500 reported cases of the in the country, the government has banned outdoor gatherings of more than 500 people & indoor groups of more than 100 people. There have been six deaths and airline Qantas Thursday announced it would halt all international flights later this month.
The men’s T20 World Cup is slated to begin with the pre-qualifiers from 18-23 October followed by the main 12-team competition from 24 October. The final will be played on 15 November at the MCG and CA is planning for a full house.
