Yesterday reports emerged from several media houses that Cricket West Indies have offered to host the 3-match test series versus England in the Caribbean which was scheduled to be played in the latter’s home turf in June. In addition to that, it was also mentioned that they have offered to host England’s series against Pakistan which was to begin on July 30.
Cricket & Sports events in general which were scheduled in the coming months have come under the cloud of uncertainty as Europe now has become the epicentre of the Coronavirus pandemic. Almost 2000 positive cases have so far been reported in England & the actual number might be even higher. After the outbreak reached serious proportions, England’s tour of Sri Lanka was cancelled. And the English Cricket Board then suspended all forms of cricket as a safety measure against the virus.
Cricket West CEO Jonny Grave was quoted saying that he had offered England a chance to host the series in the Caribbean. However, a report today on the BBC has clarified there was no such offer. He added: “I have not had any discussions with England over whether we can host. It would be strange that England can’t have cricket but the Caribbean can.” Grave who labelled the proposal unrealistic did, however, suggest that the West Indies are being as “flexible as possible” to get the series played. The options under consideration reportedly include the possibility of rescheduling the series to September.
The West Indies also have obligations later in the year as they are scheduled to host New Zealand in three ODIs and three T20s between July 8 and 19 before South Africa arrive for two tests and five T20s between July 23 and August 16.
