COVID-19 pandemic has dealt another blow to cricket. The ICC Women's World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held from July 3-19 in Sri Lanka later this year, has been postponed. The announcement was made by the International Cricket Council on Tuesday (May 12). 

The 10-team event - featuring Bangladesh, Ireland, Netherlands, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United States, West Indies, and Zimbabwe – was to fill the three remaining spots in the ICC Women's World Cup 2021.

The ICC also announced the postponement of ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Europe Division 2.

"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," said Chris Tetley, ICC Head of Events.

"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.

"These are both important events with the Women's CWC Qualifier one step away from New Zealand 2021 and the Europe qualifier which signifies the start of the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 pathway. 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. I would like to thank the Members for their cooperation and continued support," added Tetley.

The ICC is reviewing the other two remaining events of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Regional Qualifier Division 2. The Africa leg of the tournament is to take place between August 7-4 while the Asia event will be hosted by Thailand between December 1-9 at the fag-end of the year.

[ICC Media Release]