Australian batsman Peter Handscomb optimistic T20 World Cup will be held

Sydney: Even as his country's white ball cricket captain Aaron Finch stated that he was prepared for the Twenty20 World Cup postponement, Australia batsman Peter Handscomb said he was hopeful the event would proceed as planned later this year, citing signs other Australian sports were preparing to end Covid19-related suspensions.

All sports including cricket are currently on hold in Australia and strict travel restrictions have cast doubt on whether the 16-nation tournament will go ahead in October and November.

But Australia's success in containing the virus has seen the National Rugby League and Australian rules competitions working on plans to resume matches.

"Looking at what other sports are trying to do at the moment, it's great to see the football codes in Australia are looking to get back soon at least to training," Handscomb told reporters.

"They're going to try to start their seasons end of May, June-July. That could set a real good precedent for sport in Australia coming into our summer."

Handscomb conceded the international nature of the T20 tournament made it a more complicated proposition than domestic sporting contests, but said the signs were positive.

International Cricket Council officials are holding a conference call on Thursday to discuss the international schedule.

Batting great Sunil Gavaskar suggested this week that India could host the World Cup if Australia continues to bar foreigners because of the virus.