BCCI shortlists venues for T20 World Cup 2021; matter to be discussed at the AGM

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is gearing up to host the T20 World Cup in India next year. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had planned to organise two mega events in the shortest format in 2020 and 2021. The WC was set to be played in Australia this year. But the COVID-19 outbreak across the world led to the governing body postponing the event to 2022 while the 2021 edition stayed in India.

Meanwhile, the BCCI has shortlisted the venues for the T20 World Cup. India has hosted the World Cup in the trimmed format once before in 2016 when West Indies lifted the trophy. The MS Dhoni-led side had reached the semi-final of the tournament but were knocked out by the Caribbeans only.

As far as the shortlisted venues are concerned, BCCI has picked Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mohali, Dharamsala, Kolkata and Mumbai to host the matches during the World Cup. But some members don’t seem to be happy with the decision. They expect a wider distribution and are likely to raise the issue at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) set to happen on December 24.

“It’s a matter of pride for every centre to host World Cup matches. We have high-class stadiums and top facilities and we want the BCCI to consider our case as well. We are OK with the bigger centres hosting India matches. But at least give us some games. We will raise the issue at the AGM,” President of West Zone State Association said according to Indian Express.

Decision on new IPL teams will also be taken

Another main decision to be taken at the BCCI AGM is about the inclusion of new IPL teams for the upcoming edition. With time constraints ahead of the 14th season of the cash-rich league, most probably, the new IPL teams will be added for the 20222 edition. “We will take a decision after the matter is placed before the members; one new team or two, from 2021 or 2022; we want to go ahead based on consensus,” the BCCI official said.