BCCI secretary Jay Shah, on Thursday, said that the Indian cricket board will leave no stone unturned in its endeavor to deliver a safe and healthy T20 World Cup in 2021.
The ICC T20 World Cup was scheduled in Australia in October-November this year but had to be postponed to 2022 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic. India, however, will be hosting the 2021 edition of the global event as per schedule in October-November.
“The BCCI will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the health and safety of everyone concerned in this showpiece event are taken care of. While we are determined to provide a rich cricket-viewing experience, I would also like to assure the ICC and Member Boards that India is known for its warm hospitality and we will make you feel at home,” Shah was quoted as saying in an ICC statement.
“In these times of pandemic, when there are severe restrictions, the BCCI believes in the policy of innovating and adapting, and I am confident that we will overcome every challenge,” he added, saying that the BCCI will do everything possible to “innovate and adapt” itself in challenging conditions.
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The seventh edition of the men’s T20 World Cup comes five years after the event was last held in India. It will also be the first global cricket event since the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Australia earlier this year.
BCCI president Sourav Ganguly also said, “I have enjoyed being part of ICC events as a player and know from experience that nothing beats the buzzing atmosphere of a global cricket event with millions around the world watching every game. I now look forward to playing my part as an administrator as we prepare to host the prestigious event.”
ICC CEO Manu Sawhney said that the ICC is working closely towards delivering a “stellar event”.
“Our focus will be on staging a safe and secure event that fans from across the world can enjoy. Our compliments to the BCCI, the teams, and the Emirates Cricket Board for successfully managing the Indian Premier League in a safe and secure manner. We will continue to take the learnings from this and other Members who have staged international cricket into our planning,” he said as he complimented the BCCI for organizing a successful IPL in the UAE.
The participating teams in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup are hosts India, Pakistan, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Ireland, Namibia, the Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland.
(PTI inputs)
