Balbirnie fears a T20 World Cup no go
Ireland captain Andrew Balbirnie believes the logistical challenges posed by coronavirus means he is doubtful the Twenty20 World Cup will be able to proceed as planned in Australia later this year.
The International Cricket Council is keen to push ahead with the 16-team tournament from October 18 to November 15butalloptionsarebeingconsidered amid the global public health crisis.
Given the vagaries of the pandemic and with several majornationsstillundersome form of lockdown, the idea of a competitionhosting45matches in 29 days in less than six months might seem improbable,somethingBalbirniesubscribes to.
"I'd be worried the tournament wouldn't go ahead," Balbirnie said.
"You have to look at it logistically - there would be 16 teams flying into the country.
"Thewaythispandemichas panned out, a lot can happen in a couple of days, so we really don't know yet. It's tricky, but we're battling on."
Ireland are due to play Sri Lanka, Oman and Papua New Guinea in one of two roundrobinpreliminarygroups,with the top-two progressing to the 'Super 12' stage.
In the event the T20 World Cup goes ahead, Balbirnie admitted to fears his side could beunder-preparedgiventheir schedule has been wrecked, with series against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh already called off.
However, no official announcement has been made about their three one-day internationals against England in September.
These fixtures could take place earlier in the summer at different venues given the need for 'bio-secure' environments.