ICC members split over future of World Test Championship

The International Cricket Council (ICC) members are split over the future of the World Test Championship. Some believe it should be postponed whereas others believe that the final of the World Test Championship should take place next year as previously scheduled.

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) officials are optimistic about hosting the T20 World Cup but are waiting for government instructions in this regard. Similarly, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is analysing the situation before taking a final decision regarding their upcoming series against Pakistan.

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According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan, after a video conference with other ICC Chief Executives.

“The meeting did not end in decisions but was merely an avenue for dialogue on the current situation. Top officials from 12 Test and 3 Associate nations revealed their country's situation and government instructions during the recent Covid-19 outbreak. A discussion was initiated that dealt with the start of cricket during these testing times," said Khan.

"CA officials revealed that they were hopeful of hosting the T20 World Cup as scheduled but were currently waiting for government instructions. The instructions will be vital in identifying travel restrictions and social distancing policies. The ICC has decided that officials from all boards will conduct a monthly meeting to discuss the situations in their respective countries,” he added.

The PCB chief executive revealed that it was not possible to predict when the situation will return to normal.

“The option of holding matches behind closed doors is available but the Australian government will guide their board on how to proceed. Right now the entire world is facing hard times. We do not know if the situation will become better or worse in the coming month. We can only wait for things to get better,” he said.

Speaking about the World Test Championship, he said: “Members are currently split over the World Test Championship. Some believe that the Championship should be postponed whereas some are advocating for the final to be held as scheduled in 2021. We have not come to a decision and are currently in the process of dialogue.  We are currently waiting with regard to the series against England. August is not close right now. The ECB is looking at the current situation before making a decision. They are also waiting for instructions from their government. We are prioritizing the health of our players above all else. The same applies to the series against Ireland."