Dubai, June 29

This year’s T20 World Cup, which has been moved from the Covid-ravaged India to the UAE and Oman, will be played from October 17 to November 14, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced today.

“The BCCI will remain the hosts of the event, which will now be held in Dubai International Stadium, the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, the Sharjah Stadium, and the Oman Cricket Academy Ground, from 17 October to 14 November 2021,” the ICC said in a statement today. The statement came a day after BCCI intimated the governing body that the event can be moved out of India.

The first round of the tournament, comprising eight qualifying teams, will now be split between Oman and UAE. Four of these teams will progress to the Super 12s round where they’ll join the eight automatic qualifiers.

The upcoming edition will be the first men’s T20 World Cup since 2016, when West Indies beat England in the final in Kolkata.

The eight teams competing in the preliminary stage are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman and Papua New Guinea, before the play-off stage and the final on November 14.

“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. “...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.”

“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,” BCCI president Sourav Ganguly said. — TNS, agencies

Under pressure India women aim to level series

Taunton: India will have to shed their outdated batting approach and play more freely to bounce back against formidable hosts England in the second women’s ODI here tomorrow. India consumed as many as 181 dot balls on way to posting a below-par 201 which England chased down rather comfortably to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Sunday. Ahead of the World Cup in New Zealand early next year, India have got work to do in all departments. The game could see India making multiple changes in the playing eleven as the batters’ inability to rotate the strike is proving to be a big issue for the team. Former India captain Diana Edulji said the middle-order has too many “anchors”, which means Punam Raut could make way for Jemimah Rodrigues at No. 3. “You can’t afford to play 180 dot balls in modern-day cricket. That has to change. The seniors need to step up.” pti