T20 WorldCup 2021 could be shifted out of India due to COVID-19: PCB chief Wasim Khan
New DEHLI: The chief of Pakistan Cricket Board, Wasim Khan, has said that there is a possibility of next year’s ICC World T20 being shifted out of India due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country.
He said that there was “some element of uncertainty” on India hosting the ICC World T20 as the coronavirus cases continue to rise in India, and hinted that it could be shifted to the UAE.
“There is still some uncertainty over the World T20 being held in India because of the Covid situation there. It could be in UAE,” Khan said in an interview to the Cricket Baaz YouTube channel.
Khan also said that a clearer picture will emerge only by April. The 2021 World T20 is scheduled to be played in India between October and November next year.
It was initially awarded to Australia, but in a change in schedule, the ICC later awarded it to India as Australia will now host the 2022 edition. India is also scheduled to host the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
Khan also said that the Pakistan board was waiting for a written confirmation from the ICC and BCCI by January on issuance of visas to the Pakistan squad for the World T20 in India.
“Yes Mani Sahab (PCB chief Ehsan Mani) has written to them and requested them that given the state of relations between India and Pakistan, it would be best if the ICC and BCCI gives a written assurance about the visas being issued to us,” Khan said.
2021 Asia Cup to be held in Sri Lanka, says Khan
Wasim Khan also said that in an online meeting of the Asian Cricket Council that was held last week, the board has set June as the time to host the postponed Asia Cup in Sri Lanka but the dates could be rescheduled if required.
“The next Asia Cup will be hosted in Sri Lanka in June and we have got hosting rights now for the 2022 Asia Cup,” he was quoted as saying by the PTI.
