If there is one word that properly defines the aftermaths of a pandemic, it must be “uncertainty”. There is a question mark on everything that was planned in the good old days. At a time when humanity learns to fight the microcosm and when new normals are carved, it is indeed natural to have few delays.
A recent update relating to women’s cricket and the schedule comes all the way from New Zealand. Greg Barclay, the chairman of New Zealand Cricket, has revealed that the possibility of having the much anticipated 50-over world cup will be decided in a matter of coming weeks. On Monday, ICC formally announced the cancellation of men’s T20 world cup due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The fan-favorite event was earlier scheduled in October this year. The chairman has shown hopes and further said that the Women ODI world cup 2021 is still possible if the dates are the same and the tournament is held around February and March of 2021.
While talking to Radio New Zealand, he said that “The decision about the ODI World Cup will be made in the next two weeks. It simply has to be because if there is a need to postpone that event then obviously we need to know that sooner rather than later and likewise if it is to go ahead then we need to make a final decision so that we can throw all the resources necessary to run a first-class world event in February”.
He further added that” “How do you get teams traveling around the world, they’ve got to the hub through other countries and what are the implications of that. Then getting them through the quarantine restrictions that may be in place and of course all of that comes with a cost and so there are budgetary implications heading into February but all of that is surmountable”.
Australia women’s team captain Meg Lanning has said that every team needs to have adequate preparation time for the women’s world cup. #WomensWorldCup2020 pic.twitter.com/aprDVOAY9h
— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) July 23, 2020
It has to be, moreover, noted that New Zealand has been one of the most successful countries in fighting the pandemic. However, for the tournament to happen, ICC will need to come up with qualifiers before that. The qualifying event was originally scheduled in Sri Lanka but after the cancellation of the same, there have been no updates from ICC.
The apex cricketing board has further stated that the decision on Women’s ODI World Cup will follow some assessments as they prepare themselves for the wait and watch play. A statement by ICC said, “The IBC Board (the commercial subsidiary of the ICC) will also continue to evaluate the situation in relation to being able to stage the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand in February next year”.
From the successful completion of a world cup in Australia, there should be zero doubts in the minds of people about whether women’s cricket should be the top priority or not. The game has fans, it has lovers, it has the best professionals, it’s high time boards realize the same and act.
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