The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the indefinite suspension of the global qualifier for the 2021 Women's World Cup and regional qualifier for the U-19 World Cup 2022, both scheduled for the month of July, in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The women's global qualifier, due to be played in Sri Lanka from July 3 to 19, was all set to see the host as well as Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, United States, West Indies, and Zimbabwe contest for the final three spots at the main event next year in New Zealand.
"As part of the ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning process and after consultation with Members and with the relevant government and public health authorities, the decision has been taken to postpone the qualifier to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 and the start of the qualification pathway to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022," reads an ICC press release on the matter.
The European regional qualifier for the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 was scheduled to be played in Denmark from 24th to 30th July.
Participating members will now be consulted by the ICC to figure out when the two events can be staged post the pandemic.
"In light of the continuing travel restrictions, global health concerns and government and public health authority advice we have decided to postpone two further upcoming qualifying events due to the Covid-19 pandemic," said Chris Tetley, ICC Head of Events. "The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the Europe qualifier to the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 have both been impacted."
"Our priority during this difficult period is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take well-informed, responsible decisions in relation to both postponing events and resuming international cricket."
“These are both important events with the Women’s CWC Qualifier one step away from New Zealand 2021 and the Europe qualifier which signifies the start of the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 pathway."
"We will work in partnership with the Members to find an appropriate window to reschedule these events as soon as is safe and practical to do so. I would like to thank the Members for their cooperation and continued support," added Tetley.
Two other Division 2 regional qualifying events for the next ICC U-19 World Cup are also under review.
The Africa event is due to take place in Tanzania between 7th and 14th August while the Asia event is scheduled to be played from 1st to 9th December in Thailand.
The Division 1 events across all five regions are scheduled to take place in 2021.
(Inputs from ICC)
