The ICC (International Cricket Council) is keeping a close eye on the situation in Bangladesh. Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had to resign and leave the country because of serious unrest and protests. The ICC is unsure about the future of the Women’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to October 20.
In response to the turmoil, an interim government is set to take over, according to Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman. This change comes as protests against the Hasina government have been very intense, leading to over 100 deaths in the last two days.
For now, the ICC’s plan is to monitor the situation carefully and wait before making any decisions about the tournament.
ICC Considers Relocating Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is thinking about moving the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh because of the ongoing unrest in the country. The tournament is planned to take place from October 3 to October 20, with matches scheduled at two venues: Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
With only three months left before the event, the ICC is concerned about the situation in Bangladesh. They are working closely with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), local security teams, and their own security experts to decide the best course of action.
The ICC has emphasized that the safety of everyone involved in the tournament is their highest priority. They have stated, “We are monitoring the situation closely, working with the BCB, local security agencies, and our own security consultants. Ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants is our main concern.”
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Bangladesh Protests Impacting Travel
Bangladesh is currently experiencing intense protests over a controversial quota system that allocates 30% of jobs to the families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war.
A similar unrest occurred in Sri Lanka in March 2022 when protesters stormed former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s residence due to corruption and inflation. Despite the turmoil, the Australian cricket team visited Sri Lanka for a bilateral series in June.
The World in Bangladesh event is set to take place in Dhaka and Sylhet.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly advised Indian citizens to avoid traveling to Bangladesh until further notice. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) typically follows government recommendations in such situations.
Possible Backup Venue for ICC
The International Cricket Council (ICC) always has backup plans ready in case something goes wrong with their initial plans. One possible backup location is Sri Lanka, because it successfully hosted the men’s T20 World Cup back in 2012.
What’s especially interesting is whether the SENA countries—South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia—will choose to send their women’s cricket teams to a country like Sri Lanka, where the security situation might not be completely stable. It will be important to see how these countries handle this decision and ensure the safety of their teams.
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ICC Considers Relocating Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 FAQs
Q.1. Why is the ICC considering relocating the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
Ans. The ICC is considering relocating due to serious unrest and protests in Bangladesh, which have raised safety concerns.
Q.2. What are the scheduled dates for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
Ans. The tournament is scheduled to take place from October 3 to October 20, 2024.
Q.3. Which venues in Bangladesh were planned for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024?
Ans. The matches were set to be held at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet.
Q.4. What is the current situation in Bangladesh affecting the tournament?
Ans. Protests and unrest, including intense demonstrations and over 100 deaths, have created instability, prompting the ICC to reevaluate the tournament’s location.
Q.5. Is Sri Lanka being considered as an alternative venue?
Ans. Yes, Sri Lanka is a potential backup venue due to its past experience hosting the men’s T20 World Cup in 2012.
