Australian pacer Pat Cummins has expressed concerns about the ICC hosting the T20 World Cup in India given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in the country.
The postponement of the Indian T20 league earlier in the week due to rising coronavirus cases in India has created plenty of tension amongst the cricketing fraternity. There is still no clarity on when and where the rest of the Indian T20 league will be played.
Given the current situation in India, many believe that the T20 World Cup shouldn’t be staged in India.
“If it's going to be a drain on resources or it's not going to be safe, then I don't think it's right to play it over here,” Cummins told The Sydney Morning Herald. “That's the first question which needs to be answered.”
While there is still enough time for the ICC T20 World Cup, the threat of a third wave is always on the horizon. Therefore, regardless of how the situation develops in the months to come, hosting the event in India could be risky.
"It is probably too early to say. It's six months away,” added Cummins, who plays for Kolkata in the Indian T20 League. “The priority should be for cricket authorities to work with the Indian government to see what's best for the Indian people."
While many questioned the decision to host the Indian T20 league in India, several fans came out and expressed their delight at how the tournament came as a healer in these trying times. With matches being played on a daily basis, the entertainment factor in the evening boosted spirits across the country.
“They all said that with so many people in lockdown they really appreciate the fact that for three or four hours each night they can watch the league. It gives people a routine, it helps to keep them in homes. Everyone thought it was a positive the tournament was still going on,” Cummins pointed out.
Cummins had also donated $50,000 to India's COVID-19 fight during the 2021 Indian T20 league last month.
Featured photo: Punit PARANJPE / AFP
