Oman Cricket will host the inaugural ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Challenge League B between 2 and 12 December, after the event was relocated from Hong Kong, it was announced by the ICC today.

The unrest in Hong Kong began in June with opposition to a proposed bill that would have allowed for the extradition of suspects in criminal cases to mainland China. It has now developed further and the city experiences frequent protests and disruption to major transportation hubs including Hong Kong International Airport, one of the busiest in the world.

The news comes in the wake of other major tournaments being affected by events in the city; the Hong Kong Tennis Open, which was due to have started in early October, was postponed indefinitely.

The Al Amerat facility near Muscat, Oman

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ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We have worked extremely closely with Cricket Hong Cricket and our security advisors to assess the changing situation in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing demonstrations, the consequential safety concerns and potential for disruption to event arrangements, we have decided the best course of action is to relocate the event.

Starting seven days later than originally scheduled, the event will include Bermuda, Hong Kong, Italy, Jersey, Kenya and Uganda in the first of three Challenge League B events, with 15 matches taking place during the 10-day event.

Round 2 of the CWC Challenge A will be held in Malaysia (after hosting Round 1) from 14-27 April 2020.