The upcoming T20 World Cup has faced plenty of adversity, but all roads now lead to the United Arab Emirates and Oman later this year.
Originally scheduled for 2020, the tournament was postponed due to COVID and moved back a year.
It was set to take place in India, but due to the mass outbreaks there earlier in the year, the ICC made the decision to move it to the UAE and Oman.
The tournament will run from October 17 to November 14 and take place across four venues - Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Stadium and Oman Cricket Academy Ground.
Due to the mass outbreak earlier in the year in India, officials had no choice but to move it to the UAE and Oman for safety reasons, with acting ICC CEO Geoff Allardice admitting back in June that safety was their main concern.
"Whilst we are incredibly disappointed not to be hosting the event in India, the decision gives us the certainty we need to stage the event in a country that is a proven international host of multi-team events in a biosecure environment," he said.
The tournament will begin on October 17 and run through until November 14, with four venues - Dubai International Stadium, Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah Stadium and Oman Cricket Academy Ground.
According to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, they will still 'run' the tournament despite it not actually taking place in India.
"The BCCI made every effort to stage the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and provide its passionate fans with a reason to cheer after a long period of gloom," he said.
"However, the prevailing pandemic situation in the country meant that the health and safety of everyone concerned was fraught with risk should a tournament of this stature is held across the country.
"The BCCI will continue to host the tournament, which will now be held in the UAE and Oman and work closely with the ICC to make it a memorable event."
