Cricket’s Euro T20 Slam has re-confirmed its commitment to the competition but has pushed back the inaugural tournament by another year into 2021.
Positive talks over recent months between organisers, financial backers and the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland and the Netherlands had provided a glimmer of hope that the competition may see a launch in 2020 – with each of the three cricket boards identifying a fixture window to hold the event.
Continued uncertainty around the impacts of COVID-19 on international travel, quarantine requirements and the status of fan attendance at matches has now though scuppered plans for the current season.
“We had been discussing in recent weeks alternative arrangements to get the competition started – single venue, reduced team and player pool, a shorter competition – and, given the speed with which we set up the Tri-series between the three Boards in Dublin last September, we felt confident to leave the decision as late as possible to give ourselves the best chance to make it work,” said Warren Deutrom, CEO of Cricket Ireland.
“However, we have now run out of road, particularly with the Irish Government’s recent decision to delay the next stage of relaxing its restrictions to August 10th and the Slam Board reluctantly reached the conclusion that the uncertainty caused by the pandemic and compromises being made to the original objectives did not make it a viable start in 2020.”
“Prudent measures had to be taken, as to proceed now – only to have to pull the plug later due to a resurgent pandemic or unfavourable changes in playing or travel conditions – would risk the feasibility of the project. By making this decision now, the Board has reduced all parties exposure to risk and – speaking from a Cricket Ireland perspective – removed any financial exposure at a time when financial headwinds are already a challenge.”
“I believe we have made, and will continue to make, decisions that give the concept the best chance to succeed, including being prudent in not proceeding if the circumstances aren’t right. The three participating cricket boards have also made it clear that the competition must deliver on the original objectives of providing high-quality cricket experiences for our players – that is the reason we set out on this road initially. Even if it takes until the third time of asking, we still very much believe in the viability, purpose and interest in a European T20 franchise concept, and will continue to do our best to bring it to fruition.”
Cricket Ireland will become the first international team to play since the lockdown when they play England in a biosecure facility in Southampton next week.
Last week they announced the arrival of a new sponsor for the senior men’s team and a new model in ITW Sports taking on the rights for a two year period.
