JOIN USStaging T20 World Cup unrealistic amid COVID-19 pandemic: Cricket Australia Chairman
Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings on Tuesday conceded that this year's T20 World Cup amid the COVID-19 pandemic seems "unrealistic" as it will be difficult to fly in 16 teams to the country.
The fate of the event, scheduled to be held in October and November, is shrouded in uncertainty as several countries continue to have in place, strict travel restrictions due to the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 8.1 million people across the globe.
"I would say it is unlikely...trying to get (teams from) 16 countries into Australia when most countries are still going through COVID spiking is unrealistic or very, very difficult," Eddings said during a video conference.
Last week, the International Cricket Council (ICC), after a board meeting, said a decision regarding the tournament will be made next month.
The world body stated that it wants to continue exploring contingency plans for some more time as a call of this magnitude needs to be taken after every possible deliberation.
There is speculation that the event is headed for a postponement and the window will be utilised by the IPL, which is currently suspended.
This is despite the fact that Australia is among the countries that have managed to flatten the curve.
Just over 7000 cases have been reported here and more than 6000 of them have recovered from the deadly infection.
BCCI Treasurer Arun Dhumal has stated repeatedly that the IPL can go ahead if the World Cup is cancelled.
"The board will take a revenue hit of Rs 4000 crore if the IPL doesn't happen. It will be in a big problem," BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal had told PTI in an interview last month.
In fact, in a recent communication sent to affiliates, BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said the Board is eager to conduct the event some time this year.