'Crowds most likely to be allowed at T20 World Cup in Australia': CA interim CEO Hockley

Throwing his weight behind possibility of ICC T20 World Cup taking place this year, Cricket Australia's interim CEO Nick Hockley has stated that re is a high chance that crowds might be allowed for World Cup games in October. Hockley, who recently replaced Kevin Roberts, has informed that board has got 'much more understanding' recently and crowds are 'most likely' to come back. However, he added that biggest challenge is getting 15 teams into country. 

"We’ve got much more understanding about this (crowds during games) in recent weeks, is crowds are most likely to come back before international travel. Our biggest challenge is getting 15 teams into country. If I compare it with prospect of a bilateral tour, you’re talking about bringing one team in and n playing individual matches. But prospect of bringing 15 teams in and having six or seven teams in one city at same time, it’s a much more complex exercise," Hockley told Cricket Australia. 

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While ICC is yet to reach a consensus on schedule of marquee event, Australia Sports Ministry is hopeful of 'going ahead' with tournament. Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has stated that federal government is still looking forward to host tournament and response to coronavirus situation in country has led government to be hopeful of hosting tournament.

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ICC defers decision till July

Meanwhile, ICC has deferred its decision on future of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 and ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 until July. In a statement issued on Wednesday, ICC Board expressed its desire to continue its evaluation of rapidly changing public health situation caused by COVID-19 with stakeholders such as governments. contingency planning process shall evaluate health and safety among or considerations to ensure that a decision is taken in best interests of sport.

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ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney stressed that health and well-being of everyone was top priority at this juncture. He exuded confidence in ICC taking a well-informed decision after holding consultations with member nations, players, broadcasters, partners, and governments. ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 is scheduled to take place in Australia in October-vember 2020.

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