Storm warning for T20 games

TROPICAL storms could force the ICC to move Women’s World T20 games away from St Lucia to Antigua at a speculated cost of $1.3 million.

England and Sri Lanka shared the points for their match after the Group A game was abandoned due to heavy rain.

It is understood the ICC has considered moving the remaining eight games scheduled for St Lucia because bad weather is forecast.

With the cost as well as the logistical nightmare of relocating five teams to Antigua, which will host the semi-finals and final, it is understood the plan was viewed as too hard. But if rain continues, the ICC might have no choice but to transfer the games to Antigua’s Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground or face a complete washout of Group A fixtures.

A full washout would result in the West Indies, which has points after a victory against Bangladesh in Guyana on Fri- day night, and second-ranked side England progress to the finals. Australia is in Group B and has not been affected as it is playing in Georgetown, Guyana, on the South American mainland.

The Aussies won their opening clash against Pakistan and meet Ireland today. The forecast is fine.

“We’re monitoring the situation,” an ICC spokesman said. “We are suffering from freak weather and our focus is on getting cricket played.”