World Cup Qualifier women cancelled after emerging new corona variant
Published at 28 November, 2021The World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe in which the Netherlands participated, has been cancelled by the ICC now that there is concern about a new corona variant that been detected in southern Africa. The ICC wants the participating countries to get out of Zimbabwe before the airspace is possibly closed.
Several national borders have already been closed for foreign flights.
For the qualification for the World Cup 2022, this means the following, for the time being: West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan will soon be allowed to play at the World Cup based on the 'old' ODI rankings. The ICC decided a few days before the tournament that the World Cup qualifiers no longer deserved the ODI status.
Ireland and Sri Lanka will be allowed to play in the Women’s Championship (2022-2025) in 2022.
Thailand, who have developed into a formidable opponent in recent years and also showed this during this qualifying tournament, are out of luck. The Thai women lead Group B with six points from four games, ahead of Bangladesh and Pakistan. There are already voices calling for the Thai women to be given a wildcard for the upcoming World Cup, which will be held in New Zealand in March and April 2022, or for the Women's Championship.
The Netherlands are also very unlucky that they are missing out on both fronts. The team has shown that it can stand up to Ireland, Sri Lanka and (earlier this year) Scotland and on a good day beat them. Hopefully there is a true ambition to make cricket a world sport, so that much-improved countries such as Thailand, the Netherlands and Scotland can also join.
