England determined to stage women's international cricket in 2020 despite South Africa withdrawal

With India having pulled out from a proposed tour last month, South Africa's withdrawal due to pandemic-enforced travel regulations could result in England not hosting women's international cricket for the first summer in over two decades.

But ECB have stated that they remain determined to try and stage international women's cricket in a bio-secure environment, akin to the kind that has been in place for the men's series against West Indies, Ireland and Pakistan.

"Unfortunately, India and South Africa have been unable to accept the invitation to tour but ECB remains committed to hosting women’s international cricket this summer," ECB said in a release.

"Everything is in place for ECB to be able to host international women’s cricket in a bio-secure environment and we continue to have multiple discussions with a number of international boards about potential women’s tours."

"Women’s and girls' cricket is a huge part of the ECB strategy and despite the devastating impact of COVID-19, this ambition has not waned," said Clare Connor, ECB Managing Director of Women's Cricket. "We continue to explore all options to see England Women play competitively this summer."