Impact of Corona on World Test Championship Schedule, ICC General Manager

Impact of Corona on World Test Championship Schedule

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to skepticism over the World Test Championship schedule (WTC), to which the International Cricket Council (ICC) General Manager (Sports Operations) Geoff Allardyce said it would depend on the number of bilateral series rescheduled. The ICC's future tour schedule has been in disarray due to the coronavirus epidemic. Because of this, the T20 World Cup has already been postponed to allow member countries time to fulfill their bilateral commitments.

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In response to PTI's question, Allardyce said, "We are currently discussing with member countries what their plans are for the rescheduling of the series." Given the current conditions and a hectic schedule, the ICC may postpone the proposed final at Lord's in June next year as Bangladesh, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England are yet to schedule their matches. The former Australian first-class cricketer wants to wait a bit longer on the issue.

He said, 'Obviously the teams have to prepare their rescheduled schedule as soon as possible. Before finalizing the time we have to see how many (deferred series) can be rescheduled within the available time. As of now though the final is scheduled to be held in June 2021 only. In preparing the rescheduled program, the ICC can only play the role of coordinator for the members and will not be directly involved in the preparation of the program.

He clarified, 'The ICC plays a role in coordinating the competitions, but has no role in the program (bilateral) scheduling. There is 'much uncertainty' over the return of international cricket in many countries as the situation is different everywhere.

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Allardyce also said that in 2018 when the ICC formulated the plan for the first one-day league when this global body tried to balance in the ODI and T20 international format. He said, 'Rules were made for the league in 2017-18. At that time it was decided that the three-match T20 would be an international and one-day series of similar matches. Earlier there were five ODIs and one T20 International. The status of the ICC right now is that we currently have three international formats but members are encouraged to try the new format. Women's cricket is affected as much as male cricket. Planning for the event is being taken forward and the situation is being monitored.