The 2021 men’s ICC T20 World Cup is likely to start from October 17, 2021, in the UAE just two days after the IPL final. The final of the T20 World Cup is scheduled for November 14.
Key details
Round 1
According to the ESPNCricinfo report, Round 1 will include 12 matches, will comprise eight teams. The top two teams from each group would qualify for the Super 12s. Four teams out of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Netherlands, Scotland, Namibia, Oman, and Papua New Guinea will then progress to the Super 12s.
There are only three venues in the UAE. Those three pitches will use for IPL before the start of the T20 World Cup. So, to keep the wickets fresh Round 1 will be co-hosted by one of the venues in UAE and Oman.
Super 12
The Super 12s phase comprises 30 matches, which are scheduled to begin from October 24. According to the report, The Super 12s, semifinals, and finals will take place in UAE. They will be played at the three venues – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Why did the ICC think about shifting the World Cup to UAE?
Previously, The BCCI wanted to host the T20 World Cup in India but due to increasing COVID-19 cases, it has been shifted to UAE. Although there has been a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases in India. But the experts have anticipated a third wave later in the year. So it is learned that BCCI doesn’t want to take any risk. The report states that the BCCI is yet to write to the ICC officially about shifting the event to the UAE. Another reason was BCCI didn’t get any tax exemption from the Indian government.
“A final decision on the host country will be taken later this month. The Board also confirmed that the BCCI will remain the hosts of the event regardless of where the event is played,” the ICC said in an official release.