MARGATE/FL – USA: Chairman of Cricket Council USA (CCUSA) Mahamamd Qureshi says that mergers between or amongst cricket teams for the upcoming US Open T20 will help players nationwide.
With the Covid 19 pandemic around CCUSA has decided that they will take in eight teams for the 12th Edition that will be played at the Central Broward Regional Park in Fort Lauderdale from December 15 to 20.
The board is still in deliberation as to whether they can take it up to 10 or 12 teams. The reason for reducing the number of teams from the usual 24 is due to the fact that all matches in the tournament will have to be played at the Central Broward Regional Park so that CCUSA can maintain the Covid 19 protocols as set out by the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Broward County.
Speaking on MaqTv on Friday, Qureshi said: “We are happy to have many teams but this year, unfortunately, we have to reduce the number due to the Covid 19. We are happy to have as many cricketers play and as such, I am suggesting to team owners to come together and merge so that their players can still take part in the tournament and not miss out.
“Currently we have three teams joining forces to make one and this will allow players from the three teams to have a chance at playing in the tournament. The US All Stars, Faisalabad Falcons, and Multan Sultans have joined forces to create one team that will play in the tournament.
“Other teams should follow this and get together as it will also cost each individual club less to take part. What it will also do is to make the team stronger and hence the tournament will be of a higher quality.”
