As the global novel COVID outbreak reaches new numbers, the sporting events have taken a mighty blow. Recently, ICC, via a media release, informed the cricket fans that all qualifying events have been called off in the light of pandemic. It is not to say that cricket was already pulled off by authorities worldwide and ICC has further postponed the ICC Women’s World Cup qualifier.
The tournament was scheduled in July and the hosts were Sri Lanka. Apart from the Women’s qualifier, the U19 Cricket world cup Qualifier Europe Division 2 was also called off for the time being. It has to be noted that the recent developments come as part of ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning progress. There have been adequate discussions with the members, the governments and, importantly, the Public health authorities.
The Qualifier of women’s Cricket, which was the pathway to 2021 Women’s World Cup, has been postponed. The U19 Cricket world cup shall also be affected as the European division marked the start of Qualifications for U19 World Cup scheduled in 2022. Sri Lanka was hosting the countries in July from 3rd to 19th. The teams had the ambition to make to New Zealand. Recently, the qualifier of Women’s World Cup was in talks due to the decisions of ICC’s technical teams.
The points were given evenly for teams who could not face each other as per decided in the fixtures prescribed by Women’s championship. There were a lot of eyes willing to witness the teams struggle to join the biggest cricketing tournament of the year. However, ICC has added that they shall closely work with the members to find the nearest future suitable for the events to take place. The head of events for ICC said that amidst global lockdown and the subsequent travel restrictions, global health concerns and the advice of Governments and public health authorities, the ICC has decided to postpone the two qualifying events.
Chris Tetley added that “Our priority during this difficult period is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take well-informed, responsible decisions in relation to both postponing events and resuming international cricket”.
The Qualifiers have been important as they shape way for the World cups and are vital for teams participating. Notably, the two remaining ICC under 19 CWC qualifiers have been kept under the monitor and are of review as of now. The Qualifiers have to take place in Tanzania and Thailand respectively. With Cricketing events coming on a hold, ICC and boards have to find new ways to tackle the impacts of pandemic. The fans are waiting for the action to start.
