Xtra Time Web Desk: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morison on Saturday announced parliament would be postponed due to the health risks of MPs travelling to Canberra from Melbourne and South-Western Sydney. This is due to the fact that the situation in Melbourne and Sydney is witnessing a spike in the coronavirus cases. In Victoria only it recorded 217 new cases of COVID-19 and three more deaths. Victoria’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton, described the 217 cases as “a relief” following a record 428 new cases announced on Friday, and a then-record 317 new cases on Thursday.
The recent developments Down Under is sure to influence the International Cricket Council to postpone the T20 World Cup as its board members meet on Monday. It goes to be seen if ICC still maintains its stubbornness or finally decide to postpone the global event keeping in mind the health safety of all the players and stakeholders.
The coronavirus situation in bigger cities like Melbourne and Sydney, instead of improving has started deteriorating. It is worth noting that the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which is scheduled to host the T20 World Cup finals is part of the state of Victoria.
If the Australian PM is not even confident to open the parliament during these Covid19 times, how does the world body of cricket expects that 15 teams from world over will land in Australia to play the world cup of cricket in these times.
If the ICC does decide to postpone the event then it will give an opportunity to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to organize the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020). The Indian cricket board has been eagerly waiting to hear an official announcement from ICC, before taking any steps ahead with regard to the hosting of IPL this year. It is learnt UAE is the frontrunner to host the cash rich league as situation in India isn’t good either.