The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to cancel the Women’s T20 Challenge 2021 due to the ongoing coronavirus situation in India. A BCCI official revealed the board’s intention of calling the competition off for this season keeping the health of players and officials in mind.
India is currently suffering a massive second wave of Covid-19. The nation is going through a worse phase and producing a record number of cases and deaths daily. Several countries have banned travel to and from India keeping their safeguard in mind.
Also Read: Liam Livingstone leaves IPL 2021 owing to bio-bubble fatigue
Meanwhile, the IPL 2021 is going as planned despite several players pulling out of the tournament. Liam Livingstone was the first player to leave for his home owing to bio-bubble fatigue. Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson followed the same path and left for their home. Delhi Capitals spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also flew home to spend time with family in these challenging times.
A BCCI official revealed the developments to ANI while quoting “An official decision is yet to be made, but unfortunately looks highly unlikely. The second COVID-19 wave has made things very difficult and with travel restrictions and flight bans, hosting a tournament with overseas players won’t be easy.
“Also, the safety of everyone involved will always be the priority. Might have to skip this edition and get back to hosting it next season.”
The 3-team competition took place last year in Sharjah and was in line to be slotted in Delhi this year. But the current situation in India has put BCCI in unfamiliar territory to call it off.
Also Read: Ravichandran Ashwin leaves IPL 2021 to be with family
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) is planning to arrange a charter flight for their players to arrive back safely after the conclusion of the IPL 2021. Todd Greenberg, the Chief Executive of the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA), has mentioned that they are in talks with CA to bring back all the Australian players, coaches, umpires and broadcasters, who are involved in the ongoing IPL 2021, once the competition comes to an end.
