Dominica has withdrew from hosting games in next year’s T20 Cricket World Cup, the country’s sports ministry announced on Thursday.
Dominica is one of seven Caribbean countries that the International Cricket Council (ICC) assigned games for the June tournament in September.
Matches will also be played in New York, Florida, and Texas, marking the first time that a major ICC event has been held in the country.
Dominica’s sports ministry, however, announced its withdrawal “in the best interests of all.”
“The implementation timelines submitted by the various contractors revealed that it would not be possible to complete these works within the stipulated timeframe before the commencement of the tournament,” the ministry said in a statement.
“As a result, a decision was taken not to host any of the matches in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, as it would not be prudent for the Government of Dominica to commit to hosting these games.”
Dominica’s Windsor Park Sports Stadium has been selected to host one group stage match and two Super 8 games.
Cricket West Indies (CWI) CEO Johnny Grave stated that he understood the decision.
“We recognise Dominica’s government’s commitment to hosting matches as part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.” While we appreciate their devotion, we take note of the reasons cited for the choice and respect the situation,” he said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the government of Dominica and the Dominica Cricket Association to host international matches in the future.”
The CWI and the International Cricket Council (ICC) stated they were working on revisions to the plan, with information due “immediately.”
“It is unavoidable that circumstances will arise that will require the organisers to adapt and alter plans when hosting tournaments of this scale,” said Fawwaz Baksh, the tournament’s director.
“This is something that happens in any event of this nature, and why we have contingency plans for all functional areas for the hosting of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.”
Jamaica, whose Sabina Park stadium in Kingston is one of the legendary West Indies cricket grounds, is conspicuously absent from the list of Caribbean host nations.
Jamaica has the greatest population of the Caribbean’s major cricket-playing nations, although it did not submit a proposal to host games in the event.
The West Indies hosted the competition in 2010, three years after hosting the World Cup for 50 overs.
The 2024 tournament has been enlarged to include 20 countries, with Uganda joining the competition for the first time on Thursday.