The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering relocating the upcoming 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to another venue. This follows the ongoing anti-government protests and political instability in Bangladesh. The United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and India are the alternative venues under consideration.
The current unrest in Bangladesh was fueled by student-led protests demanding the abolishment of a quota system for government jobs. Eventually, this widespread protest escalated into a larger anti-government movement. Following this, Bangladesh’s long-serving Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and flew to India on Monday, August 5. Meanwhile, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has proposed that Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus should lead an interim government.
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be contested from October 3 to 20 across two venues in Bangladesh. However, the ICC is considering alternative venues to ensure the safety of all participants. According to an ICC official, the global cricket governing body is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh in association with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), local security agencies, and independent security consultants.
“The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants,” read a statement from the ICC as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
In addition, governments from Australia, England, and India, have issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens against touring Bangladesh to take part in the competition. Meanwhile, India and Sri Lanka are considered potential alternatives for hosting the major event. October is a rainy season in India and this may potentially disrupt the matches. Meanwhile, in India, ensuring visas for Pakistan players might be difficult given the political tensions between the two nations.
