Five years after hosting its last ICC event, the 2016 Men’s T20 World Cup, India will be ready to host the same tournament in 2021, the BCCI has underlined. Despite the country continuing to struggle under the clutches of the Covid-19 pandemic, Sourav Ganguly and Jay Shah, the chairman and secretary of the board, have expressed confidence in India’s ability to host next year’s competition, scheduled for October-November, with the executive director of ICC, Manu. Sawhney optimistic that it will be possible for fans to attend.
India was confirmed to host the tournament earlier this year following the postponement of the 2020 edition. Australia was due to host the T20 World Cup this year, but has been awarded the 2022 competition instead.
As ESPNcricinfo reported in August, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are understood to be among the backing venues if India is unable to host the tournament, with nearly 50,000 Covid-19 cases still being recorded every day in the country. But Ganguly and Shah insisted in a statement from the ICC to start the tournament countdown that India would be fine as the host, and said the BCCI would make sure all necessary protocols were in place.
ALSO READ: Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates among backup venues for 2021 T20 WC
“The BCCI will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the health and safety of all those involved in this flagship event are taken care of,” said Shah. “While we are determined to provide a rich cricket viewing experience, I would also like to assure the ICC and member boards that India is known for its warm hospitality and that we will make you feel right at home.
“In these times of pandemic where there are severe restrictions, the BCCI believes in the policy of innovation and adaptation, and I am confident that we will overcome all challenges.”
Ganguly said it was “a matter of great honor” for India to host the tournament, and said he was confident that players would be excited about the possibility of playing there.
“I have enjoyed being a part of ICC events as a player and know from experience that nothing beats the vibrant atmosphere of a world cricket event with millions around the world watching every game,” he said. “Now I look forward to playing my role as administrator as we prepare to host the prestigious event.”
More immediately, India will host England early next year, followed by the 2021 IPL. While Ganguly has insisted that BCCI will seek to organize the tour in India, the board signed a hosting agreement with the Emirates Cricket Board in September which will effectively act as a safety net for both the England series and the IPL.
Sawhney, the executive director of the ICC, said there were “learnings” from other membership boards, as well as the IPL, that the ICC would seek to incorporate into its planning for the T20 World Cup, while expressing optimism that it would be possible. for fans to attend the games.
“We are very excited to bring the tournament back to India after 2016. We are working very closely with BCCI to put together a stellar tournament, and most importantly, one that is safe and that fans around the world can. come and have fun.
“We have been looking at all the learnings we have had from various boards that have put together some cricket at the moment, especially also the Dream11 IPL, which I think has done a great job in terms of putting together a tournament of this scale.”
.
