The upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, originally planned to take place in Bangladesh later this year, is facing a possible relocation due to the current political turmoil in the country. The escalating protests and violence have prompted the International Cricket Council (ICC) to consider moving the tournament to a different host nation.
Reports suggest that the ICC will soon announce an alternative venue as it closely monitors the situation in Bangladesh. The recent resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina and the subsequent unrest, including attacks on properties linked to her party and former cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza, have raised concerns about safety and security.
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Will the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup be relocated to India, UAE, or Sri Lanka?
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is originally scheduled to be held from October 3 to October 20 this year. However, with the uncertain situation in Bangladesh, the ICC is exploring alternative venues to ensure the smooth conduct of the tournament.
According to sources, potential backup locations like the UAE, India, and Sri Lanka are under consideration by the ICC in case a venue change becomes necessary. The safety and well-being of all participants remain the top priority for the governing body.
“We are closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and relevant security agencies. The safety of everyone involved is paramount,” stated an ICC official.
“While the situation is being monitored closely, a final decision on relocating the tournament from Bangladesh will be made closer to the event start date,” they added.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian citizens against traveling to Bangladesh until further notice, aligning with similar cautions issued by other countries such as Australia and England. It is likely that cricket boards, including the BCCI, will heed the government’s advisory.
While past incidents have seen cricket tours proceed despite unrest, the complexity of hosting a global event involving multiple teams adds a layer of consideration for the ICC. Although venue changes are rare, the governing body has previously altered plans in emergency situations, as seen during the Men’s T20 World Cup relocation to the UAE and Oman in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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