Australian Sports Minister reveals that the government is trying its best to host T20 World Cup 2020

The ICC T20 World Cup was going to be showpiece event of 2020. Both the men’s and women’s tournament was supposed to be held in Australia this year. Luckily, the world got to witness the women’s edition just before the coronavirus pandemic took over the situation and countries were forced to introduce total lockdown.

The men’s edition of the tournament is scheduled to start on October 18 and go on till November 15. Even as the world recovers of the pandemic, the ICC has not given up on their hopes of hosting the tournament as scheduled. Considering that the situation has considerably improved in Australia, the tournament is a possibility in the country.

We are confident that the T20 World Cup will be a thrilling showdown: Richard Colbeck

In an interview, Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has said that the government is trying their best to get the country ready for the event. He also said that the Indian tour will start on time as scheduled.

“As Australia’s sports minister, I join with cricket fans around Australia is looking forward to welcoming the Indian squad ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The federal government, along with the International Cricket Council and state governments continue to work towards ensuring the event proceeds”, Colbeck said in an interview with Sportstar.

India is scheduled to play three T20Is ahead of the world event. After the World Cup, the Indian team will play four Tests and three ODIs in Australia. There were rumours that the T20 World Cup will be shifted to 2022. However, going by the words the Sports Minister, it seems that the Australian government is trying their best to host the tournament.

“We are confident the T20 World Cup will be a thrilling showdown watched by a global audience – but we remain committed to the implementation and support of measures to keep players and spectators safe.

Cricket Australia and the ICC T20 World Cup Local Organising Committee are consulting with the relevant Australian government agencies in the development of their biosecurity plan to support the resumption of professional cricket in Australia. This includes arrangements for the arrival of international teams, accommodation, training environments and venue logistics”, Colbeck said.

As of now, there are less than 500 active cases of COVID-19 infections in Australia. The numbers have been quite stagnant for some time now. The Australian government is yet to open its border for other people. On this, the Sports Minister said, “Any application by Cricket Australia would be considered on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with relevant health authorities.”