COVID-19 poses challenges for U-19 World Cup in West Indies

Cricket’s world governing body is staging the first-ever International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 World Cup, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic in the region.

The tournament’s 14th edition got underway last week-end with 2016 winners and host West Indies up against three-time champions Australia at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence, Guyana.

Altogether, 16 teams will feature on matches across four countries, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis and Antigua and Barbuda.

ICC head of events, Chris Tetley anticipates a high-intensity tournament and believes the 2022 edition serves as an integral  stepping stone to guide young players through this crucial transitional stage of their careers.

He said the World Cup will feature the next generation of cricket’s rising stars.

He said the pandemic still poses some challenges.

Tetley remains confident the ICC’s countermeasure and guidelines, once fully adhered to would play an important role in restricting the spread of COVID-19.

“The safety and bio-security of all participants are of primary significance to us organising the event,” Tetley said.