The eight-nation tournament was originally scheduled for early 2021 but had to be postponed until March this year after coronavirus-related travel restrictions made it impossible to get the teams into New Zealand.
WELLINGTON - The Women's Cricket World Cup begins in New Zealand on Friday, with organisers keen to capitalise on growing interest in the women's game after overcoming a string of pandemic-related hurdles.
While the spectre of positive tests among players hangs over the event, tournament chief executive Andrea Nelson said plans were in pace to cope with most contingencies. "We've got such a massive and growing audience for cricket - the T20 Women's World Cup final was viewed by 1.1 billion people around the world, which dwarfs the men's Rugby World Cup by comparison," she said.
Pakistan, South Africa, the West Indies and Bangladesh round out the field, with the latter making their tournament debut.The event uses a round-robin format, with each team facing one another over the course of 28 matches, followed by a three-match knockout phase involving the top four teams.The final will be played at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, which has been refurbished with lights and improved facilities to bring it up to international standards.
While the prize pool does not match the $10 million paid out at the men's tournament, Australian fast bowler Darcie Brown said it still reflected gains achieved in the women's game.