ICC postpones World Cup qualifiers amid COVID 19 pandemic

As the World comes to screeching halt amid widespread COVID 19 outbreaks around the World, the International Cricket Council (ICC) postponed all the World Cup qualifiers scheduled before June 30. The dreaded virus has infected more than 470,800 people around the world and killed over 21,200.

The global body shared that the stringent travel restrictions being imposed all around the globe will adversely affect the qualifiers and hence has decided to postpone them. Eight qualifiers for 2021 T20 World Cup and 2023 ODI World Cup, both to be hosted by India, have been postponed.

"In light of the significant global health concerns at the current time and the restrictions on movement imposed by governments across the world, the ICC has taken the decision to postpone all events up until the end of June subject to further review," Chris Tetley, ICC head of events, said.

"Work will continue on contingency plans and options for both men's qualification pathways. We will provide updates in due course on these plans and decisions on the staging of the remaining events this year."

The World Cup Trophy tour for the T20 World Cup in Australia this October, which was scheduled to start next month, was also postponed.