Fans will be delighted to know that entry to all matches of the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024 will be free of charge. The tournament will take place exclusively at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
The competition features eight teams divided into two groups. In Group A, India, Pakistan, UAE, and Nepal will compete, while Group B includes host nation Sri Lanka along with Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Free entry for fans in Women’s Asia Cup 2024
According to a media release, all the games in the tournament will be broadcast live on several international platforms and the stadium will have free tickets for the fans to promote women’s sport in the region.
“All the games will be broadcast live across international platforms, and the stadium will be kept open for the public to enter for free in order to witness the games,” the media release stated.
Ravin Wickramaratne, who currently serves as the vice-president of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), has been chosen as the tournament director for the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. His appointment was approved by the executive committees of both Sri Lanka Cricket and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
“Sri Lanka Cricket, with the support of the Asian Cricket Council, is planning to conduct a highly successful tournament, as a successful outcome of this tournament will help advance women’s cricket on the world stage,” Wickramaratne said.
India will be favourites for the title
The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 is set to kick off on July 19 with Nepal taking on the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the tournament opener. Later on the same day, the much-anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will highlight the league stage.
In total, the tournament will feature 15 matches, including two semi-finals and the grand final. The semi-finals are scheduled for July 26, while the final will be held on July 28.
During the group stage from July 19 to July 24, each team will play against the others in their group once. India’s group stage fixtures include matches against Pakistan on July 19, the UAE on July 21, and Nepal on July 23.
Harmanpreet Kaur will lead the Indian squad in the upcoming Women’s Asia Cup 2024, with Smriti Mandhana serving as the vice-captain. The team includes two wicket-keepers, Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry, while Shweta Sehrawat, Saika Ishaque, Tanuja Kanwer, and Meghna Singh have been named as travelling reserves.
India holds a dominant record in the Women’s Asia Cup, having clinched the title on seven occasions out of eight editions. Their only defeat came in 2018 against Bangladesh in the final.
Defending champions from the 2022 tournament held in Bangladesh, India enters this edition as strong contenders once again. With a well-balanced squad combining seasoned players and emerging talent, India is widely expected to be the frontrunner for the title in the upcoming tournament.
