The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, has been shifted to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was originally set to take place in Bangladesh. This change is made due to ongoing civil unrest in the country.
The decision comes after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh resigned and fled to India due to weeks of violent protests. These protests, which began as demonstrations against civil service quotas, quickly spread into extreme chaos. The unrest led to the deaths of over 400 people. A temporary government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken charge.
Tournament Schedule of Women T20 World Cup
India had declined to host the tournament, while Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe had both offered to take over as hosts. Ultimately, the UAE was chosen as the new venue. The tournament is now set to take place from October 3 to 20, with matches being played in Dubai and Sharjah.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed regret that the tournament could not be held in Bangladesh, acknowledging the efforts of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to host the event. However, travel advisories from several participating nations made it impossible to proceed safely in Bangladesh.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice thanked the BCB for their attempts and also extended gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host the tournament.
England and Scotland, both part of Group B, were initially scheduled to play their opening matches in Dhaka. With the relocation, they will now compete in Dubai and Sharjah.
Despite the change in venue, the BCB retains the hosting rights for a future ICC event in Bangladesh, as confirmed by Allardice.
The last World Cup was held in South Africa in February 2023, where Australia claimed their sixth title with a 19-run victory over the hosts.
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