Global chief executives meet to discuss international cricket's coronavirus response

It was agreed that the Future Tours Programme would need to be reviewed through to 2023, with attempts to be made to reschedule as many postponed tours and fixtures as possible

Chief executives from the ICC’s 12 full member governing bodies and the three associate representatives spoke on Thursday to discuss cricket’s response to the challenges laid out by the coronavirus pandemic.

The committee met via conference call to confirm a collective commitment to addressing the difficulties caused for the global game’s upcoming schedule in the face of COVID-19, while also discussing contingency plans for upcoming events and hearing from each national board about the virus’ situation in their own countries.

The men’s T20 World Cup is due to take place in October and November in Australia, while next year’s women’s World Cup is in New Zealand. An ICC statement declared that “planning for both events as currently scheduled is ongoing”.

Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts said: “Cricket Australia is working closely with the ICC, the local organising committee and the Australian government so we have a comprehensive understanding of exactly what it will take to be able to play the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020 in October in Australia as planned.

“We are also jointly exploring all other options in relation to staging the event and will take the right decisions at the right time so we can host a wonderful celebration of the sport and keep everyone involved safe and well.”

Chair of the ICC medical committee, Dr Peter Harcourt, explained: “The situation is rapidly evolving and full of significant risk as there is still a lot to learn about COVID-19 which can make decision making difficult. The ICC medical committee is working with member medical representatives to build a comprehensive picture of the issues cricket is facing.

“Our next step is to create a roadmap for the resumption of international cricket which will include a criteria for decision-making and a checklist for what needs to happen. This will consider everything from player preparation to government restrictions and advisories and bio-bubbles.

“The scale and complexity of getting cricket started again cannot be underestimated particularly with respect to a global event. The more teams, venues and cities involved in an event, the greater the risk which has to be assessed and managed.”

It was also agreed that the Future Tours Programme would need to be reviewed through to 2023, with attempts to be made to reschedule as many postponed tours and fixtures as possible.

Further discussions and decisions on that, however, as well as on the World Test Championship and men’s ODI World Cup Super League, will come at a later date “when there is a greater understanding of the impact of the cricket that has been lost”.

ICC chief executive Manu Sawhney added: “We will work in partnership for the best outcomes for the sport in relation to both ICC events and bilateral cricket.

“We agreed on the importance of taking well informed, responsible decisions in relation to the resumption of international cricket.

“The complexities involved in being able to stage ICC global events are extensive to ensure we protect the health and safety of everyone involved and they will be carefully considered before any decisions are arrived at in the best interests of the game.”

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