Sourav Ganguly represented BCCI as ICC discussed contingency plans

International Cricket Council

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday discussed the various possibilities of conducting the flagship tournaments, that have been under the cloud of doubts due to the Coronavirus Outbreak globally. 

Some of the big tournaments include the T20 World Cup and also the World Test Championship as all of these tournaments have been virtually put on a hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has already wreaked havoc in the whole world. 

Among the Test-playing nations, India was represented by the BCCI President Sourav Ganguly despite some speculations that a former Board member would attend the conference that was to be conducted via a video conference. 

With the fate of this season’s IPL not being decided till now, the World Test Championship also faces the risk of getting canceled due to the deadly virus outbreak. 

“The impact of the pandemic on the sport globally was discussed,” as per the statement released by the ICC after the meeting.

“We continue to undertake a comprehensive business continuity and contingency planning exercise which will allow us to adapt to the rapidly evolving world in which we find ourselves.” 

While no decisions were taken as any shifting of tournament or change of dates involves gigantic logistical exercise which needs meticulous planning at every stage. 

“The ICC management will continue our contingency planning around ICC events and will also work with Members to explore all options available to us based on a range of scenarios connected to the pandemic.” 

ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said. 

The Board also discussed if England is unable to host the Pakistan and West Indies at home, Sawhney said that the technical authorities would take a call based on that time’s situation. 

“It can’t happen unless an amicable solution is reached. You might have India playing six series and perched at the top and England get to play three due to lockdown and tight FTP schedule. You need a solution to the distribution of points and matter should be referred to the technical committee,” One of the member representatives told PTI after the meeting. 

Discussing the T20 World Cup, a few members also said that by the time of October, there would be fewer threats in Australia, one of the senior officials said:

“If things are under control from June, we can then work on a specific contingency plan. Right now, ICC would be working on various plans and would come up with their proposals in course of time”