Bad weather forces change in T20 tournament schedule for physically challenged

Bad weather has forced organisers to change the schedule of the ICRC 5-nation T20 Cricket Tournament, the first-ever competition for cricketers with disabilities.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the tournament at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Bangladesh and England were supposed to play the opening match but incessant rain washed out the tie.

The BCB and ICRC released a joint media statement on Wednesday night saying the competition was being rescheduled for a Friday start.

The final will be held on Sep 10 but the venue is still to be confirmed.

Christine Cipolla, ICRC Head of Delegation in Bangladesh, said, “We took into consideration the rain and weather forecast and decided to start the competition from 04 September.

"We have consulted the participating teams, the BCB and the BKSP and agreed that it is in the best interest of the players, organisers and the cause for which the tournament has been initiated that we make every effort to get players on the field of action," she added.

According to the new schedule, two games will be held each day from Friday to Wednesday. The matches will start at 11am at the BKSP ground Nos. 3 and 4.

Bangladesh will play against England at ground No. 3 while Afghanistan will take on Pakistan on Friday.