“This is a Decision for the ICC to Make” New Zealand’s Sports Minister on T20 World Cup

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has not decided on the fate of the T20 World Cup yet. The T20 World Cup 2020 was scheduled from October 18 to November 13 in Australia this year. However, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the tournament is unlikely to happen. ICC will take a final call regarding the tournament in July. 

Many cricketers believe that the T20 World Cup can be conducted in New Zealand this year as the country has managed to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. A few days ago, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had announced that New Zealand has become COVID-19 free as the last case was reported on May 22. However, according to the reports two women who traveled from the UK to Wellington for parent’s funeral have been tested positive for COVID-19. 

Grant Robertson on T20 World Cup

Recently, New Zealand’s Sports Minister Grant Robertson reacted to the news of New Zealand being the neutral venue for the World Cup saying that this is a decision for the ICC to make. He also informed that the country is looking forward to hosting the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup next year. 

Robertson told ANI, “This is a decision for the ICC to make. Australia did a fantastic job of hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year. I’m sure all cricket fans have their fingers crossed that the men’s tournament can go ahead as planned. However, New Zealand is looking forward to hosting the teams in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup next year,” 

“At this point in time, New Zealand’s borders remain closed to non-New Zealand nationals entering the country. So at this point in time, there are no confirmed sports tournaments to be hosted in New Zealand. Cricket will commence once again in the summer season. No doubt there are some keen players out there already preparing for the season to begin,” he added.