The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was initially planned to be hosted by Bangladesh but has been relocated by the ICC for the upcoming tournament scheduled between October 3 and October 20.
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The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has accepted the ICC’s decision to shift the venue despite their efforts to retain the hosting rights.
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Reasons for ICC’s Venue Change for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The political unrest in Bangladesh has created a volatile atmosphere in the country. The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has triggered widespread turmoil and violent incidents across the nation.
Former Bangladesh captain, Mashrafe Mortaza, faced an attack on his residence amidst the chaos. Mortaza was associated with the Awami League party, the same party as Sheikh Hasina. Additionally, BCB chairman Nazmul Hussein was reported missing in the tense situation prevailing in the country.
Given the circumstances, hosting the tournament in Bangladesh within a short timeframe would have been challenging. Several countries, including England, India, Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand, have imposed travel restrictions on their citizens visiting Bangladesh.
In an official statement, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed:
Regrettably, the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh had to be relocated due to travel advisories from the governments of the participating teams. The BCB put in tremendous effort to host the event, and we appreciate their dedication. While the tournament will not be held in Bangladesh, they will retain hosting rights. We anticipate bringing an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future.
We extend our gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board for agreeing to host the tournament on behalf of the BCB and to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for their supportive offers. We anticipate hosting ICC global events in both of these countries in 2026.
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Location Change for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will now be held in UAE. UAE previously hosted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, where Australia clinched their first title by defeating New Zealand in the final.
Interestingly, the Australian Women’s team will defend their T20 World Cup victory from 2023 in the UAE.