The T20 World Cup 2024 is reportedly facing a potential relocation from the West Indies and the USA due to concerns over the lack of progress in the region’s infrastructure. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively probing alternative options as the tournament is set to commence within a year.
One option being discussed is a host nation swap between the 2024 and 2030 editions. Initially scheduled to host the T20 World Cup in 2030, England, Ireland, and Scotland may now have an earlier opportunity to step in due to the current circumstances.
While the Caribbean has previously hosted cricket matches in stadiums, hosting such a prominent cricket event in the USA would be a first. On the other hand, England, having successfully embracing the T20 World Cup in 2009, possesses suitable venues to accommodate a large-scale tournament.
In case, if England, Ireland, and Scotland take on the responsibility of hosting the 2024 edition, it would give the USA sufficient time to finalize their infrastructure developments, enhance Major League Cricket, and adequately prepare for hosting the tournament in 2030.
As per a source closely monitoring the situation,
“There is a pressing situation at hand. The current state of infrastructure in the USA is not very encouraging, which may lead the ICC to consider swapping hosts between the 2024 and 2030 editions. This decision would allow USA Cricket to focus on improving their infrastructure before 2030 and ensure they are fully prepared to host the tournament.”
The same source further added, “At present, it would be a rushed process to get the venues ready. England had already been allocated the 2030 World Cup, and they are better equipped than other nations to host an event in June-July.”
The forthcoming 2024 T20 World Cup will be the ninth edition of the tournament, with England as the defending champions after their victory in Australia last year.
Concerns are rising within USA Cricket regarding the timely completion of the required infrastructure. A former interim chairman of Cricket USA expressed distrust, stating,
“We currently lack any existing facilities, so it remains uncertain whether the ICC will invest in makeshift venues.”
Reportedly, the ICC has visited the construction sites recently and expressed disappointment with the progress achieved thus far. This dissatisfaction has led to considerations of relocating the tournament.
Dr. Atul Rai, former interim chairman and board member of Cricket USA, highlighted the challenging affairs, stating,
“Without proper infrastructure, nothing can be accomplished. We currently lack any existing facilities, so it is up to the ICC to decide whether they will invest in temporary venues and even host some matches. However, it is an arduous situation. The ICC has also recognized this.”
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