The 2021 edition of T20 World Cup is slated to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Oman from October 17 to November 14.

For the marquee event, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has allowed participating nations to bring 15 players and eight officials.

Speaking to PTI, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official on Friday (August 13) confirmed that the apex body had set September 10 as the deadline for participating nations to submit their final 15 players and eight officials, including the coaches and support staff.

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"The ICC has also allowed all participating nations to bring additional players with their squads because of the COVID-19 situation and bio-secure bubble but the concerned boards will have to bear the costs of these additional players," the official said.

“The ICC bears the expenses of only 15 players and eight officials.”

Notably, first round of the tournament will see the qualifying event taking place from October 17 to 23, where four of the eight teams will ensure their progression to the main event. A total of 8 teams have already qualified for the main round while 4 more will join them from the qualifiers, making it a total of 12.

The eight teams vying for a spot in the main round are – Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman, and Papua New Guinea.

For Round 1, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands and Namibia are part of Group A whilst Oman, PNG and Scotland will face Bangladesh in Group B.

The Super-12 stage will get underway on October 24 in the three venues of UAE – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.

"It is now up to the boards to decide how many additional players they want to have with their main squads given the COVID-19 situation because if any player tests positive or they are injury issues, the teams can take replacements from their additional players."

The ICC has informed the board members that they can make any last-minute changes in their squads until five days before the quarantine period for teams begins.

"But the boards have to send their squads by 10th September."

Last month, ICC had announced the groupings of the T20 World Cup 2021, as per which, defending champions West Indies are slotted in Group 1 alongside England, Australia, South Africa and the two qualifiers from Round 1.

On the other hand, arch-rivals India and Pakistan feature in Group 2 along with New Zealand, Afghanistan and the two qualifiers from Round 1.

(With PTI inputs)