BCCI slams ICC for delaying decision of postponing T20 World Cup 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has put all international sporting events in a jeopardy. The feasibility of the much-awaited IPL 2020 is also bleak if the situation doesn’t subside in the near future. Along with the resumption of international cricket, fans are eagerly waiting for the commencement two prominent events– T20 World Cup 2020 and IPL 2020.

However, the hosting issues involving these two showpiece events have led to a drift in the relationship between the ICC and BCCI. Although ICC have former BCCI chairman Shashank Manohar as chairman, the Indian board is not happy with the apex council’s delay in the postponement of T20 World Cup.

Cricket Australia’s (CA) chairman Earl Eddings recently stated that the possibility of Australia hosting the T20 World Cup is ‘unrealistic’. However, the ICC still hasn’t issued any statement over the postponement of the mega-event. The ICC, after a board meeting earlier this month, is still waiting to explore other plans before taking a final call on the fate of the T20 World Cup.

The delay in decision-making will hurt everybody: BCCI official

“Why is the outgoing ICC chairman (Manohar) creating confusion? If the host cricket board doesn’t want to conduct T20 World Cup, why will it take a month to announce the decision? Is he trying to hold BCCI to ransom?” a senior BCCI official said as quoted by The New Indian Express.

BCCI is hoping for an early decision on the status of the T20 World Cup so that they can plan IPL 2020 accordingly. BCCI is aiming to host the cash-rich league in the September-October window if the T20 mega-event gets postponed.

“It’s just not about the BCCI or the IPL. If ICC announces the postponement during this month, even those member nations whose players are not a part of IPL can plan their bilateral series in that window. -making will hurt everybody,” added the BCCI official.

The quick decision by ICC will help BCCI to come to a conclusion over the hosting venue of the IPL. Sri Lanka have also emerged as likely hosts where there are three grounds– Premadasa, Pallekele, and Hambantota. The island nation is considered as a cost-effective option to host the T20 extravaganza.