With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup approaching and concerns growing over the tournament hosts due to the unstable political situation in Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will continue to monitor the situation before making a final decision.
The ICC initially set a deadline of August 15 to finalize the host country after unrest in Bangladesh. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) requested additional time to address the situation, and the ICC has granted this extension.
Amid violent protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, the possibility of relocating the tournament has since become a serious consideration. On August 8, the BCB sent a letter to the Army Chief, seeking assurances regarding security for the World Cup, highlighting the urgency of the situation with only two months left to prepare. A BCB official stated on Friday that while there is an ICC-imposed deadline, ongoing communications are aimed at resolving the issue quickly. The official also mentioned that the Bangladesh Army has assured the necessary security measures for the World Cup, addressing one of the major challenges faced by the tournament.
The official on the condition of anonymity told Daily Star, “There was a deadline today (from the ICC), but they are continuing with communications, hoping to resolve it as quickly as possible. The Bangladesh Army has assured that they will provide security for the World Cup, which was one of the major hurdles the tournament had to overcome.”
Sources within the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) have indicated that the board has sought guidance from relevant authorities on how to function with many of its directors currently absent. The BCB is also reportedly in discussions with Bangladesh’s interim government to address the travel restrictions imposed by several countries. The governments of Australia, the United Kingdom (including England and Scotland), India, and New Zealand had issued travel advisories for their citizens traveling to Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Cricket Board CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury confirmed that discussions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) are ongoing. He noted that a scheduled discussion with the ICC took place on August 15, and the matter is likely to be further explored in the coming days. Chowdhury emphasized that communication remains active and is being handled positively.
Nizamuddin Chowdhury mentioned, “Yes, there was a date (for discussion) on 15th August (with the ICC), and they are possibly going to look into it further. We are still in communication, and it’s being done in a positive way.”
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Meanwhile, reports emerged that the ICC is considering the United Arab Emirates, India, and Sri Lanka as backup venues for the Women’s T20 World Cup if the tournament needs to be relocated from Bangladesh. However, on August 15, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah informed the Times of India that the BCCI has communicated to the ICC its reluctance to host the tournament.
The BCCI secretary affirmed, “They (ICC) have asked us (BCCI) if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no.”
Shah further explained that India was considered as an option by the ICC but clarified the BCCI’s position, citing the monsoon season and India’s hosting of the women’s ODI World Cup next year. He emphasized that India does not want to host consecutive World Cups. Shah also highlighted the importance of the upcoming home series which will start on September 19 of the men’s team against Bangladesh, noting that the BCCI has not yet spoken to the new Bangladesh government but may do so soon.
He mentioned, “We’re in the monsoon, and on top of that we will host the women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
The ten-team Women’s World Cup is scheduled to begin with warm-up matches on September 27, followed by the main event from October 3 to October 20, with Group A including the defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while Group B comprises of England, South Africa, Bangladesh, Scotland, and the West Indies.
(Quotes sourced from The Daily Star and The Times of India)
