The ICC announced on Tuesday that the Women’s T20 World Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh, will now take place in the UAE due to the ongoing unrest in the South Asian country. Citing travel advisories from several participating nations, the ICC deemed it “not feasible” to host the event in Bangladesh. The tournament, which includes teams like India, is set to run from October 3 to 20 in Dubai and Sharjah. Despite the change in venue, Bangladesh will retain its hosting rights, ensuring it receives its share of the revenue.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed disappointment over the relocation, acknowledging the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s efforts to host the event. Although the ICC’s statement avoided direct references to the violence in Bangladesh, it highlighted that travel concerns made it impossible to hold the event there. Allardice also noted that the ICC looks forward to bringing a global event to Bangladesh in the future.
The unrest in Bangladesh has led to significant violence, resulting in over 230 deaths, with the total death toll surpassing 600 since student protests began in July against the government’s job quota system. The situation escalated, leading to the resignation and flight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. An interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has taken over, while Bangladesh Cricket Board President Najmul Hassan Papon has fled the country.
The ICC’s decision followed comments from Australia’s T20 captain Alyssa Healy, who expressed concerns about playing in Bangladesh. Allardice emphasized that all options were explored before deciding to move the tournament and thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for hosting the event on short notice. The UAE was chosen as a feasible venue due to its proximity between Dubai and Sharjah, which helps keep logistical costs manageable. The ICC also acknowledged support offers from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for future events.
Reports indicate that Hasina, who fled to India, is currently in a safe house in Delhi. Meanwhile, there have been reports of increased violence against minority communities in Bangladesh following the change in government.
