ICC Women's ODI World Cup could be played with nine players per side in case of Covid-19 outbreak

In order to ensure a smooth competition, the ICC announced on Thursday that in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak, all matches at the 2022 Women's ODI World Cup in New Zealand could be played with nine players.

In a chat with ESPNcricinfo, ICC's head of events Chris Tetley said that if it becomes necessary ICC would allow a team to field nine players as an exception.

He further added that if needed the games will be rescheduled as well.

Under ICC guidelines, a nine-player-a-side game is already in place and has been in effect since the recently-concluded Under-19 World Cup in West Indies.

Also read: Women's World Cup: India-Pakistan game to inspire millions of girls in both the countries

ICC Women's World Cup will kick-start on March 4 with hosts New Zealand playing against West Indies in Mount Maunganui.

India will play their world cup opener against arch-rivals Pakistan on March 6.