The highly anticipated 9th edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20. However, the current political situation in Bangladesh is highly unstable with violent protests and the future unclear. These developments have led the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider relocating the Women’s T20 World Cup out of Bangladesh and has informally shortlisted the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, and Sri Lanka as potential backup venues.
An ICC official confirmed the development on August 5 that the situation in Bangladesh is currently being monitored and the decision will be taken accordingly, further emphasizing the organization’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants amid the current situation.
The ICC highlighted that they are working closely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies, and independent security consultants to monitor the developments and take appropriate measures. In light of recent events, the governments of at least three participating countries—Australia, England, and India—have issued travel advisories warning their citizens against traveling to Bangladesh.
Quoting, “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Bangladesh has been disrupted by anti-government protests in recent weeks, leading to multiple fatalities. On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was given a 45-minute ultimatum to resign, which she obliged to for a safe exit, and army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took over to establish an interim government. Among the properties destroyed by protesters was former Bangladesh captain Mashrafe Mortaza’s home in Narail, around 150 kilometers from Dhaka.
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Meanwhile, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has confirmed a 48-hour delay in the departure of the Bangladesh ‘A’ men’s cricket team to Islamabad due to unforeseen circumstances. The Bangladesh ‘A’ team was originally scheduled to arrive in Islamabad early Wednesday to play two four-day matches and three 50-over matches from August 10-27. With curfew in place over the past week, Bangladesh’s preparations were also hampered.
PCB stated, “The BCB has confirmed to the PCB their men’s ‘A’ cricket team’s departure for Islamabad has been delayed by 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances. The BCB and PCB have been in regular contact for the past two days and will continue to work together on the revised tour itinerary.”
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will feature ten teams split into two groups. The tournament will kick off with a match between England and South Africa from Group B, and the group stage will wrap up on October 14. Group B includes England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Scotland, and the West Indies. Group A comprises defending champions Australia, along with India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals on October 17 and 18, with the final scheduled for October 20.
(Quotes sourced from ESPNcricinfo)
