The International Cricket Council played down speculation this year's T20 World Cup could be pushed back to 2021 but admitted it is "exploring all options" with regards to contingency planning.
Australia is due to stage the global tournament from October 18 until November 15 but a number of major sporting events have already been postponed or cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
With the start of the T20 World Cup still six months away, the ICC has some time on its side and while it is preparing to press ahead with all its competitions at present, the current uncertainty means that could change.
"We are continuing with our planning for ICC events as they are, but given the rapidly evolving situation as a prudent and responsible measure we are also undertaking a comprehensive contingency planning exercise," an ICC spokesperson said.
"This includes exploring all options available to us based on a range of scenarios connected to the pandemic.
"We will continue to take advice from experts and authorities, including the Australian government and will take decisions at the appropriate time.
"We will utilise all the data and information available to us to ensure we can take well-informed, responsible decisions that are in the best interests of our sport."
Cricket Australia's decision to stand down the majority of its staff from April 27 for two months is understood to have little bearing on the T20 World Cup as the local organising committee is still in post.
The governing body has already indicated its willingness to stage the tournament, even if social distancing measures means it would have to take place behind closed doors, but the ICC warned it will take no chances.
The spokesperson added: "Our first responsibility is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take a safety-first approach to all operations over the coming months."
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Rajasthan Royals 153-5 (17.5 ov)
Delhi Daredevils 60-4 (6 ov)
Rajasthan won by 10 runs (D/L method)
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WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
MORE ON IRAN'S PROXY WARS
If you go…
Emirates launched a new daily service to Mexico City this week, flying via Barcelona from Dh3,995.
Emirati citizens are among 67 nationalities who do not require a visa to Mexico. Entry is granted on arrival for stays of up to 180 days.
TERMINAL HIGH ALTITUDE AREA DEFENCE (THAAD)
What is THAAD?
It is considered to be the US's most superior missile defence system.
Production:
It was created in 2008.
Speed:
THAAD missiles can travel at over Mach 8, so fast that it is hypersonic.
Abilities:
THAAD is designed to take out ballistic missiles as they are on their downward trajectory towards their target, otherwise known as the "terminal phase".
Purpose:
To protect high-value strategic sites, such as airfields or population centres.
Range:
THAAD can target projectiles inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 150 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
Creators:
Lockheed Martin was originally granted the contract to develop the system in 1992. Defence company Raytheon sub-contracts to develop other major parts of the system, such as ground-based radar.
UAE and THAAD:
In 2011, the UAE became the first country outside of the US to buy two THAAD missile defence systems. It then stationed them in 2016, becoming the first Gulf country to do so.
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Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
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