Forget Rumours, Men’s T20 Will Be Held In The US: ICC

DURBAN, (IANS) – Geoff Allardice, the CEO of the International Cricket Council (ICC) has quashed speculations of moving the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup out of the West Indies and US, saying the tournament will be hosted by the two nations.

In November 2021, the ICC awarded hosting rights of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup to a joint bid made by the West Indies and the USA. However, of late, multiple reports said the tournament could be hosted by England and Ireland citing concerns over USA’s financial position. But Allardice has fiercely denied all those speculations.

“Yes, I can say with finality that the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup will be held in the West Indies and USA. We have said that repeatedly,” the ICC CEO said in a select virtual media interaction, after the conclusion of the ICC Annual Conference in Durban, South Africa.

“Over the last few months, there have been several developments in the USA that have raised awareness of cricket. The launch of Major League Cricket is one of them and brought attention to the sport in the lead-up to when the league started yesterday. The Men’s T20 World Cup will be there next year and will continue to raise awareness of the sport,” he said.

“We have been talking to the Los Angeles Olympics 2028 committee for the past 18 months and two years regarding cricket’s potential contribution and its characteristics adding value to the Los Angeles Olympics Games. We will be expecting a decision in the next couple of months whether cricket will be recommended for inclusion in those games, but all promotions of cricket in the USA contribute to raising awareness,” he added.