Women’s World Cup clashes postponed due to coronavirus

The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier scheduled to take place in Sri Lanka from July 3-19 has been postponed, the International Cricket Council has announced.

A 10-team tournament would have determined the final three entrants into next year’s 50-over World Cup in New Zealand, when England will defend the title they won three years ago.

Chris Tetley, the ICC’s head of events, said: “In light of the continuing travel restrictions, global health concerns and government and public health authority advice we have decided to postpone two further upcoming qualifying events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the Europe qualifier to the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 have both been impacted.

“Our priority during this difficult period is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take well-informed, responsible decisions in relation to both postponing events and resuming international cricket.

“We will work in partnership with the Members to find an appropriate window to reschedule these events as soon as is safe and practical to do so.”