T20 World Cup to be played in UAE and Oman, confirms ICC

The International Cricket Council on Tuesday confirmed that the 2021 T20 World Cup will be played in the UAE and Oman. The T20I showpiece was initially scheduled to be held in India but it was moved out of the country due to Covid-19 pandemic.

In fact, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly on Monday had confirmed that the T20 World Cup will be held in UAE and Oman. Ganguly had added that the safety of the players and stakeholders is of paramount importance.

“Our priority is to deliver the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 safely, in full and in its current window,” said acting ICC CEO Geoff Allardice.

“Whilst we are incredibly disappointed not to be hosting the event in India, the decision gives us the certainty we need to stage the event in a country that is a proven international host of multi-team events in a bio-secure environment. “We will work closely with the BCCI, the Emirates Cricket Board and Oman Cricket to ensure fans can enjoy a wonderful celebration of cricket.”

The matches of T20 World Cup will be played in four stadiums, namely Sharjah Cricket Ground, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Oman Cricket Academy Ground.

Meanwhile, the tournament will begin from October 17 and the final will be played on November 14 after the completion of IPL 2021. Initially eight teams – Bangladesh, Scotland, Ireland, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Oman and Namibia – will face each other in 12 matches. Top four teams from them will join the top eight ranked T20I teams for the Super 12s.

On the other hand, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had stated that the Indian board would have been happier had they hosted the tournament in India but they will aim to make it a success in UAE and Oman.

“The BCCI is looking forward to hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 tournament in UAE and Oman,” added BCCI President Sourav Ganguly. “We would have been happier hosting it in India but considering the uncertainty due to the Covid-19 situation and the importance of a world championship, the BCCI will now continue to host this tournament in UAE and Oman. The BCCI is looking forward to creating a spectacle.”