Reserve days for rain-affected semi-finals could be introduced ahead of the Men’s T20 World Cup later this year. Currently, on the final would have a back-up scheduled in the case of rain meaning no play was possible on the original date. These rules come directly from the International Cricket Council (ICC). The latest reports suggest that Cricket Australia are keen to discuss the possibility of adding the contingency to the two semi-finals ahead of the upcoming tournament which is scheduled to get underway in October.
A washed-out semi-final saw England’s hopes of glory at the Women’s World Cup. As per the current laws, the team who finished higher in the group stages is deemed the winner if no result is possible. That saw India through to the final, where the hosts soundly defeated them with Australia winning by 85 runs.
Preparing for the Men’s T20 World Cup
Kevin Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, said that the authorities will aim to learn from the Women’s World Cup. “There’s always cause for reflection at the end of any tournament or any season, in terms of how you approach future tournaments ” Roberts explained to cricket.com.au in a recent interview. The latest cricket betting with 10Cric sees Australia as favourites for the competition ahead of India and England, who are the reigning ODI world champions after their dramatic win over New Zealand.
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A World Cup semi-final with no result leaves something of a sour taste for fans, but especially for players and coaching staff of the unfortunate team sent home. Typically, the Australian weather would allow plenty of cricket to be played, but rain showers aren’t unheard of in November Down Under.
Late change not impossible, but appears unlikely
The two men’s World Cup semi-finals are due to be played in Sydney on November 11th and Adelaide on November 12th. Given the final comes three days after the second of those, there would be ample time to accommodate reserve days if the change could be agreed, especially with a reserve day already allocated to the showpiece finale at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. However, this may prove easier said than done. The ICC considers the Men’s and Women’s editions of the World Cup to be part of the same tournament, despite the fact they are played months apart.
Roberts explained that this could complicate matters. “I would imagine the playing conditions are in place for the women’s and men’s events with this tournament and can be discussed and considered after that’s completed” he explained. Any changes to the schedule would have to be agreed when the ICC’s Cricket Committee next meets later this year. So, while any tweaks may take place in an ideal world, cricket’s bureaucracy may prevent them from being introduced in the current T20 tournament cycle.
Looking ahead to India 2021
Even if reserve days aren’t part of the provisions for the 2020 edition, the following year sees another T20 World Cup. Surely this caveat will be added to the preparations in order to give a better chance of avoiding a repeat of England’s unfortunate exit. India will be the hosts this time, as the ICC double down on the shortest form of the international game thanks to the absence of a Champions Trophy in 2021.
India were crowned champions of the inaugural T20 World Cup back in 2007, beating rivals Pakistan in Johannesburg. Since then though, Virat Kohli’s side have failed to make a significant impact in subsequent editions. The quickfire double, the second of which they’ll have home advantage in, should provide ample opportunity for the country to shine on the world stage once more.
