UK’s new travel restrictions put Ireland's World Cup qualifier participation in doubt

Ireland women’s team’s participation in the 2021 Women’s World Cup qualifiers is in doubt owing to the UK’s new travel restrictions. Amidst the rising concerns over the new Covid-19 variant the UK government on Thursday, November 25, added South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Lesotho, and Eswatini to its ‘red’ countries list.

Cricket Ireland is reported to be in contact with governing bodies regarding the new regulations. The team is currently in Zimbabwe for the World Cup qualifiers. They are scheduled to play against Sri Lanka Women in the last group stage match on November 29.

However, the recent developments have cast a shadow on their further participation in the Qualifiers. According to the new rules put forward, from Sunday onwards those entering from the countries that are put on the red list will need to undergo a hotel quarantine.

Cricket Ireland is in regular talks with the International Cricket Council, the Irish Government, Sport Ireland, Sport Northern Ireland, and squad members about the same. The Cricket Ireland chief executive, Warren Deutrom has however asserted that the safety of the players will be paramount. He also added that they will provide the necessary updates about the same soon.

Our decision-making will be first-and-foremost based on the health and safety of players and support staff: Cricket Ireland chief

“While the circumstances around travel restrictions and health advice is a fast-moving one, we have been in close contact with the ICC, the Irish government, and sports bodies in both jurisdictions to better understand the facts and to properly inform and reassure the squad leadership.

Our decision-making will be first-and-foremost based on the health and safety of players and support staff. We will provide updates as soon as we can,” he said as quoted by The Irish Times.

Ireland Women are placed in Group A in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier. They join the likes of West Indies, Sri Lanka, and The Netherlands in the group. The Ireland Women have so far played two matches in the Qualifiers and have managed to secure victory in one game. They currently find themselves in the third position of the Group A points table.