The ICC said a final decision on the location of the next T20 WC would be “made at the end of this month.” And in the meantime, he also asked management to explore accommodation options in the United Arab Emirates with the possibility of including “another location in the Middle East”.
ICC Explores T20 WC Venues
The move comes two days after BCCI concluded its special general assembly and asked the ICC for a month to explore the possibilities of hosting the tournament in India itself.
Doubts about India hosting T20 WC 2021 stem from the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the country and the forecast of a third wave in the near future. While the successful organization of the India tour of England earlier this year was a blow to the BCCI, its decision to move the IPL out of India after several positive cases within the bio-bubble significantly weaken its case. Hosting a 16-team World Cup will require more bio bubbles to function, similar to the IPL 2021 in India before it has to be suspended.
“A final decision on the host country will be made at the end of this month,” the ICC said in its statement. “The Board also confirmed that BCCI will remain the venue for the event regardless of where the event takes place.”
Conclusion
If the T20 WC actually moves to the United Arab Emirates, it will mark an eventful season for the country which is already preparing to welcome the rest of the IPL and PSL.