The ICC needs to make its decision soon: New Zealand Sports Minister

The fate of the T20 World Cup to be held in Australia still hangs in the balance as the ICC deferred the meeting to decide to July. If not in Australia where else? If not the T20 World Cup, does the IPL come into play? These are some of the questions that are being raised.

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) free nation New Zealand has offered to step-in as the host of the T20 World Cup if needed.

Speaking to ANI, New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson spoke about the need for the ICC to take a decision soon and his nation is prepared to host the 50-over Women's World Cup next year.

The minister said, "This is a decision to be made by the ICC."

"Australia did a fantastic job of hosting the ICC Women's T20 World Cup earlier this year and I'm sure all cricket fans have their fingers crossed that the men's tournament can go ahead as planned. However, New Zealand and New Zealanders are looking forward to hosting the teams in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup next year."

Grant Robertson also stated the fact that New Zealand’s borders are still sealed down and no outsider is allowed into the country and this was his way of reminding other cricket boards that his nation is not available to anyone to use it as a neutral venue.

"At this point in time, New Zealand's borders remain closed to non-New Zealand nationals entering the country so at this point in time there are no confirmed sports tournaments to be hosted in New Zealand by other countries," Robertson said.

New Zealand players have been given permission to resume training and that they can get the match fit for the cricket action that's underway in the summer.

"Cricket will commence once again in the summer season. No doubt there are some keen players out there already preparing for the season to begin," the minister added.