The biggest cricket event of the year – the T20 World Cup in Australia in October and November – might have to be played behind closed doors even if it goes ahead.
The chief health officer of Victoria has warned that the tournament might be seriously impacted by the Covid-19 outbreak.
Scotland have qualified for the global competition and Kyle Coetzer’s team are in Group B, alongside Bangladesh, Namibia and the Netherlands, with their first match scheduled for October 19 against the Dutch in Hobart.
However, with many experts warning against any large-scale sporting events being staged until a vaccine has been found, the prospects of the T20 World Cup proceeding as planned appear to be diminishing.
Professor Brett Sutton told the Age newspaper on Tuesday that live sporting events could only go ahead without spectators until next year and Australia’s borders remain closed until a Covid-19 vaccine is discovered.
The ICC has yet to make any announcement about a possible cancellation or postponement, but a decision will have to be taken soon, with many Scottish supporters considering whether to book tickets for the trip Down Under.
Prof Sutton said: “It might be three or four or five or six layers peeled off over some months.
“But there will be something in place that constrains us until there is a vaccine.
“International travel coming back, I think that’s the thing that is going to be constrained for a long time.”
It is the first indication that the tournament might be in jeopardy because the ICC will need to ensure that the 15 visiting teams are allowed access to Australia, before any other issues are even considered.
Cricket Scotland has been approached for a response.
