Opinion

Play the T20 World Cup in New Zealand, suggests Dean Jones

Written by Sumit Seth

Former Australia batsman Dean Jones has suggested for the T20 World Cup to take place in New Zealand. In a recent tweet, the 59-year-old opined that with all social distancing measures set to be curbed in NZ, the tournament can be played there. New Zealand hasn’t witnessed a new COVID-19 case for 13 days now; there is one active case in the country. It remains to be seen if the apex board pays heed to Jones’ suggestion.

“Jacinda Ardern said NZ could move to alert level 1 next week, which means all social distancing measures and curbs on mass gatherings will be lifted, she said. Maybe play the T20 WC there? #justathought,” he wrote on Twitter.

The future of the T20 World Cup still hangs in balance as the ICC did not come up with a final decision in its previous meeting. The apex board was sort of confirmed to postpone the tournament but it will now come up with a final decision on June 10. With Cricket Australia Australia’s CEO almost confirming that tournament will be postponed, it is confirmed that it won’t take place in Australia.

As far as hosting the tournament in NZ goes, the government will, of course, take a final decision on the matter. New Zealand is scheduled to host Women’s World Cup next year. The country hosted the 2018 U-19 World Cup and jointly hosted 2015 World Cup along with Australia.

About the author

Sumit Seth