The ICC is monitoring the fast-deteriorating situation in Bangladesh, which is due to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup in October. With October’s event little more than seven weeks away, serious deliberations are on over the shifting of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh amid ongoing unrest in the country to some neighbouring nations.
While an ICC decision is yet to come, shifting the event is getting more and more likely. “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,” said an ICC spokesperson.
The board members are expected to meet up and reach a conclusion regarding the issue within a week. India, Sri Lanka, and the UAE have been shortlisted as venues that can replace the event. Of these three, India seems to be the favourite destination because the conditions here are relatively better than in the other two choices. The UAE has a problem of congested schedules, owing to its prior bilateral commitments. The weather in Sri Lanka is unpredictable, and it could end up being another matter to handle.
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“India, Sri Lanka and the UAE are in contention because they offer similar time zones to Bangladesh, which is a crucial factor for broadcasters. For the final decision, the time zones will have to align,” the source said.
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Logistically, a change of venue at this late stage would not be ideal but could still be handled. It could follow the original plan and hold matches in two venues, which would be well-situated near each other. For example, Dhaka and Sylhet had been scheduled to have 23 matches within 18 days; something on those lines could be worked out in India, too.
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Possible combinations would be Wankhede and DY Patil or Delhi and Mohali. “Two venues not too far from each other would be enough for the tournament. If the event does shift, Wankhede and DY Patil would be a great choice, given the high turnout during the Women’s Premier League,” the source added.
While a final decision is anticipated by the end of next week, the tournament currently seems unlikely to stay in Bangladesh. If anything, given the situation as it is, even if things get better in the near future, it will still be pretty difficult to hold the event in Bangladesh.
