Amid Covid-related uncertainty, the International Cricket Council has abandoned the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 qualifier being played in Zimbabwe.
They held the tournament to determine the final three spots for the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand next year. The tournament was also to select the remaining two berths in the next cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship. The scheduled end of the tournament was December 5.
The latest Covid-19 variant that has emerged in South Africa and the introduction of travel restrictions from several African countries, including the host country Zimbabwe, forced the abandonment.
The ICC used current team rankings to attain the qualification slots for the Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. This is in keeping with the tournament’s playing conditions. Therefore, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Pakistan will progress. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and Ireland occupy the other slots for the 2022-25 cycle of the ICC Women’s Championship.
Play in two of the three matches scheduled for Saturday–Zimbabwe v Pakistan and USA v Thailand–started as scheduled. However, a Sri Lankan team support staff tested positive for COVID-19, and this forced the abandonment of the third fixture of the day between the West Indies and Sri Lanka. West Indies won their first match against Ireland by six wickets.
West Indies Women’s Head Coach Courtney Walsh said it disappointed him that the tournament had to be abandoned. He, however, believes ICC took the right decision in the safety of the players. He added, “We are obviously delighted that we have qualified and that we will be there at the World Cup next year.”
In a media release, CWI said they are working closely with ICC to ensure all members of the West Indies squad remain safe, as they plan for their return to the Caribbean.
I am in total agreement with the decision to curtailment of the tournament, because health and safety comes first.
Couldn’t agree with you more, Stephen.