Can't Imagine T20 WC Happening In Empty Stadiums: Border

Scheduled to begin on October 18, the tournament has come under doubt due to the coronavirus outbreak which has claimed more 1,15,000 lives so far across the world.

Allan Border

New Delhi: Former Australia captain Allan Border has said that he cannot see the ICC T20 World Cup slated to be played in Australia in October-November be held behind closed doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Scheduled to begin on October 18, the tournament has come under doubt due to the coronavirus outbreak which has claimed more 1,15,000 lives so far across the world. With travel restrictions in place in many countries, many people have endorsed the idea of having the tournament behind closed doors if the situation demands. However, Border doesn't agree with the idea. "I just can't imagine playing at empty stadiums ... it defies belief," Border told Fox Sports News. "Having teams, support staff and everyone else associated with the game wandering around the country, playing games of cricket, but you can't let people into the grounds. I just can't see it happening. Over 50 people have died with COVID-19 in Australia and more than 6,000 have been infected with coronavirus. "It's either you play it and everyone just gets on with the job and we're past this pandemic," added Border. "Or it just has to be cancelled and you try to fit it in somewhere else." Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts had earlier said he is hoping that the T20 World Cup could be played as per schedule in normal circumstances. "We're really hoping that all forms of sport can be played again in a few weeks or a few months' time," Roberts was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au. "None of us are experts in this situation obviously, so our hope is that we're back in very much normal circumstances come October and November when the men's T20 World Cup is to be played."