By Zainab Shafiq 
The 2024 edition of the T20 World Cup is expected to be relocated from the West Indies and the USA due to concerns over the insufficient progress of infrastructure in the region. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is actively exploring alternative options as the tournament is scheduled to commence in just a year’s time.
One possibility under discussion is a swap of host nations between the 2024 and 2030 editions. Although England, Ireland, and Scotland were initially slated to host the T20 World Cup in 2030, the current circumstances may necessitate an earlier opportunity for them to step in.
While the Caribbean has previously hosted cricket matches in stadiums, this would be the first time the USA would be hosting such a prominent cricket event. In contrast, England, having hosted the T20 World Cup in 2009, is well-equipped with suitable venues to accommodate a large-scale tournament. If England, Ireland, and Scotland take on the responsibility of hosting the 2024 edition, it would provide the USA with ample time to finalize their infrastructure developments, enhance Major League Cricket, and prepare for hosting the tournament in 2030.
According to a source closely monitoring the situation, “There is a situation at hand. The current infrastructure situation in the USA is not very encouraging and it is likely that the ICC could well swap the hosts for the 2024 and 2030 edition of the event. It will also allow USA Cricket to get the infrastructure in order before 2030 and allow them to set the house in order too.”
The same source further added, “Right now, it will be a rushed process to get the venues ready. England were already allotted the 2030 World Cup, and they, unlike other nations, can host an event in June-July.”
The upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup will mark the ninth edition of the tournament, with England as the defending champions, having clinched the title in Australia last year.
Concerns are growing within USA Cricket regarding the timely completion of the infrastructure. A former interim chairman of Cricket USA expressed doubt, stating, “We don’t have any existing facilities, so it’s up to the ICC whether they will invest money in some makeshift venue.”
The ICC has reportedly visited the construction sites in the recent past and has expressed disappointment with the progress achieved thus far. This dissatisfaction has prompted considerations to relocate the tournament.
Dr. Atul Rai, former Cricket USA interim chairman and board member, emphasized the challenging circumstances, stating, “But without proper infrastructure, nothing is going to happen. We don’t have any existing facilities, so it’s up to the ICC whether they will invest money in some makeshift venue and even host some games. But it’s a very tough situation, to be honest. ICC has recognized that too.”
Although T20 cricket may currently receive less attention at the international level due to the impending ODI World Cup, focus is expected to shift towards the shortest format immediately after the conclusion of the 50-over tournament in India.
Anas Ahmed