ICC Considers Backup Plans for Hosting Women's T20 World Cup

The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka are being considered as backup locations for the Women’s T20 World Cup if it needs to be moved from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh has been experiencing serious unrest recently. Protests have led to several deaths and significant damage. On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and went to India, while Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took charge to set up a temporary government. Among the properties damaged were those belonging to members of Hasina’s Awami League party, including the home of former cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza in Narail, about 150 kilometers from Dhaka.

The Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place from October 3 to October 20. However, the ICC has started looking at alternative venues just in case.

An ICC official said that they are closely watching the situation in Bangladesh and are keeping all options open. The ICC, along with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), security agencies, and independent security experts, is making sure the safety of everyone involved is a top priority.

Due to the current situation, Australia, England, and India have advised their citizens not to travel to Bangladesh.

The ICC is now exploring options for backup venues. While India and Sri Lanka could host the tournament on short notice, there are some concerns. Sri Lanka might face rain in October, and India could have issues with visa approvals for the Pakistan team.

The BCB has also postponed the Bangladesh A cricket team’s departure to Pakistan by 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances. The Dhaka airport was closed recently, and it’s unclear when flights will resume.

The senior Bangladesh cricket team is still set to leave for Pakistan on August 17, with no changes expected at this time. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has suggested that the Bangladesh Test team arrive early to train in Rawalpindi before their series begins on August 21. The BCB has not yet responded to this suggestion.

In January 2007, when the Bangladeshi government fell, the National Sports Council dissolved the BCB’s board and appointed an interim committee. The last time the ICC had to move a major tournament was in 2021, when the men’s T20 World Cup was moved from India to the UAE and Oman due to the COVID-19 pandemic.