The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced that teams hit by Covid-19 at the upcoming ODI World Cup will be allowed to play even with just nine players if they are unable to assemble a playing XI.
Further, female support staff can also take the field if the team fall short of players.
'If it becomes necessary, we would allow a team to field nine players as an exception for this environment and if they had female substitutes from within their management team, we would enable two substitutes to play, non-batting, non-bowling, but to enable a game to take place,' said Chris Tetley, ICC Head of Events.
Tetley also confirmed that there will be unlimited Super Overs if needed. The boundary count rule that decided the Men's World Cup winner in 2019, has been abolished.
The tournament opener will be played between New Zealand and West Indies, on 4 March in Tauranga. Christchurch will host the final on 3 April.