In a massive development, Dominica has pulled out of hosting the matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The development was announced by the government of Dominica on Thursday, November 30.

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be the ninth edition of the competition, is scheduled to be hosted by the Caribbean and the United States of America (USA) from 4 June to 30 June 2024. This will be the first time that the World Cup matches will be played in the USA.

20 teams are set to take part in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and all the teams have been finalized. The qualified teams for the event are – Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, England, India, Ireland, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Oman, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Uganda, United States of America (USA).

Dominica Not To Host T20 World Cup 2024 Matches

Despite being picked as one of the seven countries in the Caribbean to host the matches of the T20 World Cup 2024, Dominica will no longer host the games.

The seven countries in the Caribbean were selected by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Cricket West Indies (CWI) after the local governments had submitted their bids.

Meanwhile, the reason behind Dominica’s decision to pull out of hosting the World Cup matches is their inability to complete work on practice and match venues in time for the marquee tournament.

In an official media release, the Government of Dominica revealed that the Windsor Park Sports Stadium (WPSS) was set to host one group stage match and two games in the Super 8 stage of the tournament, subject to the attainment of various obligations as set out in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

“Several tangible actions were taken both at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and at the Benjamin’s Park including the commencement of upgrading and enhancement of the practice and match venues, various assessments and the creation of additional pitches where necessary,” the Dominica government’s statement read.

“However, 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. 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.

“In light of Dominica’s sterling reputation in hosting international cricket, this decision is considered to be in the best interest of all. The Government of Dominica thanks Cricket West Indies (CWI) for its partnership over the years and looks forward to continued collaboration in the future. The Government of Dominica extends best wishes to the organisers for a successful tournament in June 2024.”

Meanwhile, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be the first time that 20 teams will be featured in the competition.