In today’s UK cricket news, learn about the cancellation of Sporting events scheduled for Friday, including Test cricket and other sports. Meanwhile, the qualification for the 2024 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup is all set to get underway in August. In addition, Somerset fears losing international matches due to delays in developing hotels for traveling teams. Lastly, Austria wins third T20 Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier for the 2024 World Cup in a stunning upset.
Queen Elizabeth Ii’s Death Halts Cricket and Other Sports
Original Source: Queen Elizabeth II’s death prompts suspension of England-South Africa cricket Test, pause of other sports
Queen Elizabeth II’s death cancels Friday’s second day of the third men’s Test at The Oval.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is discussing the situation with the British government and will provide an update soon.
“Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Friday’s match at the Oval is off,” the ECB said.
Rain canceled opening day.
England won the toss and put South Africa in to bat, but a shower stopped play minutes before the game began.
A frustrating day of on-and-off covers followed before 3:45pm local time when play was canceled.
The series is 1-1 after two three-day Tests.
South Africa won the first by 12 runs at Lord’s but lost by 85 at Old Trafford.
Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy matches were postponed.
At Wentworth, which is hosting the BMW PGA golf Championship, organisers canceled Friday’s second round.
“She inspired people worldwide… The BMW PGA Championship will be closed on Friday “Tour said.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club’s captain called the Queen’s 70-year patronage a “great honor.”
“Her Majesty accepted The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews’ patronage in 1952. Her Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the club was an honor for its members “said Forster.
Saracens’ Premiership Rugby Cup match against Northampton Saints was postponed Thursday, and Scottish Rugby canceled all weekend matches.
British Horseracing Authority has also canceled two days of races.
Thursday’s Europa League games involving British teams observed a minute of silence. The US Open and Formula One will hold moments of silence.
Sebastian Coe praised the Queen for her role in the London Olympics.
“In demanding roles, she showed exceptional leadership, grace, wisdom, and fortitude,” Coe said.
“I’ll never forget her dedication to the success of London 2012”
European Teams Begin ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 Qualification
Original Source: ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 qualification begins as teams go head-to-head in Europe
In August, qualification for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup will begin.
The event, which has launched some of today’s biggest cricket superstars to the world stage, will feature the world’s most promising cricketers to determine the 2024 competing nations.
Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Zimbabwe will compete in the 15th edition. Regional qualification determines the remaining five berths.
Guernsey is the first 2024 qualifier. Due to the amount of talent in Europe, Africa, and Asia, 24 teams will compete for eight Regional Qualifier slots.
Eight teams will compete in 20 matches over seven days in the Europe Division 2 Qualifier commencing on 5 August. Denmark, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Italy, Norway, and Sweden will join the hosts in Guernsey for qualification events.
The two finalists and the third-place playoff winner will join Jersey, the Netherlands, and Scotland in the 2023 Europe Qualifier.
Guernsey Cricket CEO Mark Latter said, “Having put international cricket on hold for the past couple of years, to be back both playing and hosting is really exciting. We look forward to welcoming all the teams to Guernsey to enjoy our fantastic cricket facilities and beautiful island.”
“For the Guernsey players, it’s terrific to demonstrate their talents in front of family and friends, and for all, it’s a chance to create cricketing friendships that will be revived as they graduate into their senior sides.”
After Europe, Africa and Asia will be the emphasis. Both will hold Division 2 Qualifiers from September till 2023.
Asia Division 2 Qualifier for ICC U19 Men’s World Cup
From 29 September until 7 October, Oman will host ICC Asia Division 2 Qualifier. Two finalists will advance to the Asia Qualifier from Bahrain, Bhutan, Hong Kong, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Thailand. They’ll join Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, and UAE in final qualification.
Africa Division 2 ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Qualifier
From 30 September to 8 October, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone compete in Abuja, Nigeria. The two finalists and third-place team will qualify for the 2023 Africa Qualifier, where they will be joined by Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Americas and East Asia Pacific nations will each host one World Cup qualifying event in 2023.
Events Director, ICC Chris Tetley: “The U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup has developed some of the game’s best players.” It’s a great chance for tomorrow’s stars to shine on the world stage, give fans a preview of their next idols, and demonstrate cricket’s bright future in rising nations.
“The qualification process allows countries like Malawi to compete in a global multi-team event for the first time. 24 teams from three areas will compete over the next few months to reach the World Cup.
Qualifications
ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup features 16 teams. 11 teams qualified automatically as the best-placed Full Members from 2022. Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Zimbabwe.
One team from each region will qualify for the remaining five berths.
In 2023, Americas and EAP will each host a qualifying event for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Each region will have a two-step certification process. In 2022, these regions will conduct Division 2 Qualifiers to determine which teams advance to the Regional Qualifier. Only Regional Qualifiers winners will qualify for the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Somerset Could Miss International Matches
Original Source: Somerset ‘could be ruled out’ for international cricket matches
Somerset risks losing international match hosting rights due to hotel delays.
A 2020 ruling delayed 18,000 new homes in Somerset due to phosphate pollution of the “fragile” Somerset Levels and Moors.
It halted the construction of hotels near Somerset County Cricket Ground for touring teams.
Ros Wyke said it could affect a “substantial part of the regional economy.”
All development proposals must assess whether they will increase waterway pollution, per ECJ ruling.
The government said in late July it would require water companies to reduce phosphate pollution “to acceptable levels” by 2030, which Ms. Wyke called “far too late.”
She said the council was committed to protecting the Somerset Levels and new home delivery was being “disproportionately” impacted because homes account for a relatively small amount of phosphate compared to agriculture or sewage processing.
In a letter to Defra and the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, she said the delay would affect “substantial parts of the regional economy,” including Somerset County Cricket Club, which was “concerned that the right to host international cricket may be removed due to the pause on the development of suitable hotels to host touring teams.”
Ms. Wyke added, “We’re aware of pollution’s impact on our local environment and recently declared an ecological emergency in the county.”
“We’re aware of the policy’s impact on new homes in the county.”
She said the county’s housing for young people was “acute.”
The last census shows our population growing older as young people leave the county due to a lack of affordable housing.
Somerset West and Taunton Council’s plans for the Firepool site include a new hotel, more than 500 new homes, commercial space, and possibly a multi-purpose venue.
Austria Wins Third T20 Europe Sub-regional Qualifier
Original Source: Austria stun field to steal third T20 World Cup 2024 Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier
The Austrians are in the running for two European berths in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West Indies.
Austria overcame Guernsey in Vantaa to reach the competition final.
Holding the Channel Islanders to 139, the Austrians chased 140 with two wickets and two balls to spare.
Iqbal Hossain (38) and Razmal Shigiwal (42) surged at the top of the order, but a middle order collapse left the Austrians requiring 15 from the final two overs. No.8 Abdullah Akbarjan and No.10 Umair Tariq were at the crease.
Tariq (12* from six balls) beat David Hooper for a surprise win.
In a 14-over final between Austria and Norway, Amit Nathwani’s off-spin set the tone.
Nathwani took 3/14 in three overs, and Sahel Zadran (3/10) bowled Norway out for 77.
With a DLS-adjusted target of 77, Iqbal Hossain (66 off 36 balls) almost made a solo assault in the chase but was bowled one run short. Vinay Ravi’s wide gave Austria the tournament.
As Austria won the Sub-Regional, French youngster Gustav McKeon was named Player of the Tournament. He scored 377 runs in five knocks at a strike rate of 164.62.
Summary of today’s Cricket/Sport News
To put it simply, Friday’s match between England and South Africa at the Oval has been postponed due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said it’s reviewing the situation with the British government and will provide an update soon.
On the other hand, future men’s cricket stars will begin qualifying for the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in August. The tournament, which has brought some of today’s biggest cricket icons to the world stage, will see the most promising talent from around the globe battle it out to identify the competing nations in 2024.
Meanwhile, as a result of delays in the construction of hotels for visiting teams, somerset runs the risk of being stripped of its ability to hold international matches. Due to the potential for phosphate pollution of the “fragile” Somerset Levels and Moors, a judgement in 2020 put a temporary halt to the construction of 18,000 new homes in the county of Somerset.
Finally, T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier held in Finland saw an unexpected victor Austria, who went on to defeat Guernsey and Norway en route to securing a ticket in next year’s regional Qualifier.