The Under-18 Baseball World Cup has been delayed until 2022 ©Getty Images

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) has moved the Under-18 Baseball World Cup in Florida to 2022 due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organisers today made the decision to push the tournament, due to take place in Bradenton and Sarasota, back to next year.

It will remain an under-18 event, but new dates have not yet been chosen.

The Under-18 Baseball World Cup had been scheduled for September 10 to 19 at Ed Smith Stadium and LECOM Park, the spring training grounds of Major League Baseball teams the Baltimore Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Last week the WBSC confirmed the postponed Under-23 Baseball World Cup would allow players aged 24 to compete.

LECOM Park in Bradenton is one of two venues for the Under-18 Baseball World Cup ©Getty Images
LECOM Park in Bradenton is one of two venues for the Under-18 Baseball World Cup ©Getty Images

"As we continue to monitor the global COVID-19 pandemic, the WBSC, as well as our hosts and all concerned stakeholders, consider the rescheduling of the U-18 Baseball World Cup to 2022 to be the best and safest course of action," said WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari.

"While today’s decision is disappointing, it is taken with the safety of all participants in mind. 

"I am confident that our US hosts next year will be able to deliver a fantastic U-18 Baseball World Cup, where fans can fill the stadiums and cheer on their favourite national teams, building upon the wave of momentum for our sport following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

"The WBSC thanks the local authorities, USA Baseball, and the cities of Bradenton and Sarasota for their support and collaboration."

Bradenton and Sarasota were selected as hosts by the WBSC following the hosting of other international events such as the 2017 World Rowing Championships and 2017 and 2018 International Triathlon World Cups.

Chinese Taipei won the last Under-18 Baseball World Cup in 2019.