Women’s T20 challenge Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
With the biggest COVID-19 surge in the world happening in India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) might well have to skip this year's edition of the Women's T20 challenge. Although initial reports had suggested that this year's tournament will be played when the playoff stages of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) happens, a report quoting a BCCI official claims that the tournament may not happen at all this year owing to the current COVID-19 situation in India.
"An official decision is yet to be made, but unfortunately looks highly unlikely. The second COVID-19 wave has made things very difficult and with travel restrictions and flight bans, hosting a tournament with overseas players won't be easy. Also, the safety of everyone involved will always be the priority. Might have to skip this edition and get back to hosting it next season," a BCCI official was quoted in an ANI report.
Reports of Aussie players wanting to return from IPL 2021
Meanwhile, there were some reports of overseas cricketers, especially Australians, participating in IPL 2021 wanting to return back to their home country due to the Coronavirus surge in India. However, those reports have been termed "incorrect" by Cricket Australia. Meanwhile, it has also been confirmed that New Zealand players are feeling well looked after by their respective franchises and would want to stay till the end of the tournament.
Later IPL COO, Hemang Amin wrote a letter addressed to the overseas players and support staff assuring the tournament will not be over for the BCCI untill each and everyone reaches home safely.