Cricket Australia (CA) won't be announcing the list of centrally contracted players for 2020-21 season until at least the end of April after discussions on the same were deferred because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

With the country having seen 2000 positive cases and 16 reported deaths, the national government was forced to seal its borders and impose a six-month travelling ban, which is reflective of the gravity of the situation. 

Read Also: Steve Smith's captaincy ban over; eligible to lead Australia again

As per a report in Sydney Morning Herald, CA had "planned to bring forward the announcement of contracts from May to April this year, in a bid to provide more certainty to the states given the flow-on effect."

"But that plan has been put on hold for now until the end of April, given the economic uncertainty due to the pandemic," the report said.

"The Australian Cricketers' Association agreed to the move."

Australia's last international assignment - the Chappell Hadlee Trophy, earlier in March - was indefinitely postponed because of the deadly outbreak after New Zealand government put strict travelling restriction on its citizens, forcing the national side to immediately fly back. 

The restriction also forced suspension on the T20I series due to be played in New Zealand between the neighbours. 

Given the circumstances, Australia's mid-year tours to England and Bangladesh are also in doubt. 

The six-month travelling ban, if not revoked by the government in future, might also affect India's full tour to Australia. The Indians are due to arrive down under for a full tour in October, featuring three T20Is, part of the build-up towards the T20 World Cup, four Tests and three ODIs. 

(Inputs from PTI)