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Covid -19 pandemic stalls cricket

by Bustop TV News



By Sukuoluhle Ndlovu

Covid -19 has hugely affected cricket events leading to the change of venue for two matches scheduled for Scotland to Spain by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The Women’s T20 World Cup Europe qualifier and U19 Men’s Cricket world Cup Europe qualifier have been postponed. The decision follows consultations with participating countries and relevant governments, where it was determined that it was the best possible chance for the events to take place due to Covid -19 restrictions in Scotland.

The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 will take place on the 26th to the 30th of August where France, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland and Turkey will compete at La Manga, with France and Turkey taking part in an ICC women’s event for the first time ever.

The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket world cup 2022 pathway will now taking place between the 19th to the 25th of September at La Manga. Ireland, Jersey, Netherlands and Scotland will all compete for one U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup spot.

Due to the Covid-19, the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Division 2 Africa qualifier has also been cancelled and the Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 postponed to July 2022 as a result of Covid -19.

The Chief Executive for Cricked Espana, John Howden said it is so frustrating that Scotland will not host the events.

“Cricket Espana are delighted to have the opportunity to host these two prestigious ICC pathway events. We feel the frustration of Cricket Scotland for not being able to host the matches, as also Cricket Finland and Cricket Belgium who also have been denied Men’s T20 world cup pathway event hosting opportunities this year through no fault of their own. Cricket Espana will endeavor to champion all their efforts to make both tournaments wonderful successes,” he said.

In Africa, the ICC U19 Men’s cricket world cup division 2 qualifier involving Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sierra Leone and Tanzania has been cancelled as a result of Covid -19 restrictions. It is highly unlikely that the events will be rescheduled.

The Head of Events for ICC, Chris Tetley said there was no option but to cancel the event.

“Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions in Africa, we had no other option but to cancel the Division 2 Africa Qualifier in the U19 Men’s cricket world cup pathway in accordance with the principles approved by the ICC Board in November 2020. Tanzania and Rwanda will participate in the Africa U19 Regional final in Nigeria from 25 September to 1 October,” he said.

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