(Source X)
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring alternative venues for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is currently set to be held in Bangladesh this October.
Recent developments have seen India emerge as a potential backup location due to the escalating political turmoil in Bangladesh. The country is grappling with severe anti-government protests, resulting in multiple fatalities and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who departed the country on Monday.
Protesters have targeted properties belonging to members of the Awami League, including the home of former cricketer Mashrafe Mortaza.
After a recent meeting in Colombo, ICC officials had hoped for a stabilization of the situation in Bangladesh before the tournament. However, the worsening political unrest has intensified concerns about the feasibility of hosting the event in Bangladesh.
ICC Keeping a Close Watch on Developments Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
According to a Cricbuzz report, the International Cricket Council is considering relocating the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh.
The report suggests that the ICC is likely to make an official decision within the next week. India has emerged as a leading candidate to host the tournament later this year.
“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,” an ICC spokesperson said in a statement.
“All places with favorable weather will be in the mix if it becomes clear that we can’t play in Bangladesh. That may or may not be the case,” said an ICC member in the know of the developments.
ICC to Consult with Bangladesh Cricket Board Officials
Australia, England, and India have advised against traveling to Bangladesh for the Women’s T20 World Cup. India and Sri Lanka are potential alternatives for hosting the tournament on short notice.
However, concerns include Sri Lanka’s rainy season in October and possible visa issues for Pakistan’s team in India. The International Cricket Council (ICC) may explore options in countries within the same time zone as Bangladesh.
The ICC is expected to consult with Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials regarding the possibility of hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dhaka and Sylhet. While BCB’s input will be taken into account, the ICC Board may make an independent decision on the venue.
The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled from October 3 to 20 in Bangladesh, with ten teams competing in 23 matches across 18 days at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
The ICC last relocated a major tournament in 2021, moving the men’s T20 World Cup from India to the UAE and Oman due to Covid-19. Previously, South Africa hosted the Under-19 World Cup when Sri Lanka Cricket was banned.
