The Women’s T20 World Cup has been moved to the United Arab Emirates from Bangladesh due to violent protests and civil unrest in the scheduled host nation. The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the announcement following student-led anti-government demonstrations and the resignation of Bangladesh’s former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, who fled to self-exile in India.
The tournament, originally set to run from 3-20 October of this year, will now take place across two venues in the UAE – Dubai and Sharjah. Despite the change in location, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will retain hosting rights. ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice expressed disappointment at not being able to host the event in Bangladesh, but praised the BCB for their efforts and expressed hope for a future ICC global event in the country.
The decision to move the Women’s T20 World Cup was made due to security concerns, with travel advisories from the governments of several participating teams making it unfeasible to hold the tournament in Bangladesh. England and debutants Scotland have both qualified for the 10-nation tournament and were drawn together in Group B, with their fixture initially scheduled to be the final one of the opening stage on 14 October.
Group B also includes South Africa, the West Indies, and nominal hosts Bangladesh, while Group A features defending champions Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The shift to the UAE will undoubtedly impact the logistics and planning of the tournament, but the ICC is committed to ensuring a successful and safe event for all teams and participants.
Overall, the move of the Women’s T20 World Cup to the United Arab Emirates highlights the challenges and complexities of hosting international sporting events in the current global climate. While the change in location may present logistical hurdles, the safety and security of players, officials, and fans must always remain the top priority. The ICC’s decision to relocate the tournament demonstrates their commitment to ensuring a successful and secure competition for all involved.