Eight countries are preparing for the T20 challenge in Antigua



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HAMILTON, Bermuda, CMC – Bermuda are preparing to face seven other teams in Antigua of the Americas region for a twice-delayed tournament which is a path to next year’s ICC Twenty20 World Cup in Australia.

Qualification for the ICC T20 World Cup of the Americas is expected to be held from November 7 to 14, after being postponed twice due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in August 2020, and then in July of this year when Canada was unable to host the one event.

Bermuda, who will meet Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Cayman Islands, Panama and the United States in two groups of four, have 18 players in training before a 14-member squad is selected. to get to the Caribbean.

The coaches are also considering bringing in overseas-based players Delray Rawlins and Kamau Leverock.

Cal Blankendal, executive director of the Bermuda Cricket Board, admitted it was a challenge to follow COVID-19 protocols, which require all visitors to Antigua to be vaccinated.

The teams are due to be in St John’s from November 3, four days before the opening matches.

“We manage all of our protocols under COVID-19 regulations for player safety, and also adhere to all government guidelines,” Blankendal told the Royal Gazette.

“We have a team in training, keeping in mind that the training team is subject to the availability of all players upon departure depending on any government regulations for pre-departure testing.”

Two teams will advance from the Americas group to another qualifying round in early 2022, from which two teams will advance to the World Cup.

“The training started at the end of August, but of course the training was stopped due to restrictions (COVID-19) in September,” Blankendal said.

“Training resumed right after the government said you can train with up to 20 people. Anything over 20 would need a large group exemption, but we had less than 20 because five or six were overseas. “

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