ICC looking to schedule next World T20 for 2018

There is a high possibility that the 7th edition of the ICC World T20 may be played in the year 2018, contrary to the earlier idea of having it after a gap of four years in 2020. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the ICC are scheduled to meet Star Sports today in order to confirm if they are prepared to buy the broadcast rights for the 2018 event. Considering the tremendous success of the 2016 ICC World T20, the governing body of world cricket is confident that the sports broadcast giants will agree to the deal.

The ICC are targeting South Africa as a potential venue for the tournament as it may coerce the country's government to reconsider its decision of banning Cricket South Africa from bidding to host major international events for a year. The last ICC event which the South Africans hosted was the 2009 Champions Trophy.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, CSA chief Haroon Lorgat expressed the nation's willingness to host a major ICC event. He said, "Of course we would be delighted to host any major ICC event. We have proven in the past what a perfect destination South Africa is."

Among alternate venues, the UAE could be a feasible option as there is not much difference with India in terms of timezones and the weather conditions would also be favourable during the September window during which the tournament may be played. One of the primary reasons why West Indies, who will host the 2018 Women's World T20, may not be considered as a venue is the vast gap between their timezone and India's.

The format which was used during the 2016 World T20 is likely to be repeated in the 2018 tournament as well. However, there are plans of adding a couple of more teams to the Super 10 stage and convert it into a 12-team affair.

Going forward, though, there may be some drastic changes on the cards including the possible introduction of regional qualifiers for the tournament, much like it is in the case of major football events. Apart from this, the ICC are considering an increase in the number of countries playing official T20Is, the present figure being 18.

Provided everything goes as per what ICC have planned, the marquee tournament of T20I cricket may return sooner than expected.