(AFP Photo)
Against a backdrop of ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, marked by fatalities and street demonstrations, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed its vigilance concerning the country’s status as the host of this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled from October 3 to 20.
“We are closely monitoring the situation, but the event is still some time away. The situation appears to have improved over the last 24 hours,” an ICC source, currently in Colombo for the ongoing annual conference, was quoted as saying in a report by Cricbuzz.
The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup is set to feature ten teams competing in 23 matches over an 18-day period at two prestigious venues: the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
In Group A, India will face off against New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and defending champions Australia. Meanwhile, Group B includes hosts Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland. This marks Bangladesh’s second time hosting the tournament, following their previous hosting in 2014.
Amid concerns about unrest in the country, particularly with reports of foreign students departing Bangladesh, discussions at the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s influential meeting in Colombo did not specifically address this issue.
Since mid this month, Bangladesh has witnessed turmoil with reports indicating over 150 fatalities amidst protests and unrest sparked by the government’s decision to allocate 30% of coveted government jobs to families of freedom fighters from the 1971 Independence War. This situation has prompted widespread curfews and internet shutdowns across the nation.
However, a recent Supreme Court ruling on Sunday has overturned the government’s directive. The court has mandated that 93% of government jobs should be allocated based on merit, while reserving 5% for families of independence fighters and 2% for individuals from marginalized groups, including the disabled community.
The Women’s T20 World Cup will kick off with 10 warm-up matches scheduled from September 27 to October 1, all set to take place at BKSP in Dhaka. The opening match will feature the 2023 World Cup runners-up, South Africa, facing England.
Following this, host nation Bangladesh will take on Scotland in the evening fixture in Dhaka. Defending champions Australia, who boast the most successful history in the tournament, will commence their campaign on October 4 in Sylhet against Sri Lanka. India will also start their journey on the same day against New Zealand.
The semi-finals are scheduled for October 17 in Sylhet and October 18 in Dhaka, where the top two teams from Group A and Group B will compete. The crowning of the Women’s T20 World Cup champions will culminate at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on October 20.
