Bangladesh Turmoil: ICC Considers Relocating Women’s T20 World Cup Venues

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is exploring alternative venues for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for later this year, following escalating anti-government protests in Bangladesh. The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka have been identified as potential back-up locations in case the event needs to be relocated.

Bangladesh has experienced major turmoil in recent weeks, resulting in multiple fatalities. The political crisis worsened on Monday, when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned amid demonstrations and left for India. The protests, initially sparked by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman has since taken over as interim head, and efforts are underway to settle the situation. The rioting also caused damage to homes associated with Hasina’s Awami League party, including the home of former cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza in Narail, around 150 kilometers from Dhaka.

The Women’s T20 World Cup, which will include ten teams, is scheduled to run from October 3 to 20. However, given the precarious environment, the ICC has begun planning for possible venue adjustments. “The ICC is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], security agencies, and independent consultants,” said a spokesperson for the organization. “Our primary concern is ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.”, Reported by ESPNcricinfo.

In response to the instability, Australia, England, and India, all participating in the tournament, have issued travel advisories to their citizens advising against travel to Bangladesh.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the ICC is looking into other venues. While both India and Sri Lanka are prepared to host international championships, there are certain concerns. Sri Lanka may experience disruptions owing to October rain, and India may meet visa issues for the Pakistani team.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has postponed the Bangladesh A team’s departure for a series in Pakistan for 48 hours due to the crisis. The Dhaka airport was momentarily closed on Monday evening, which impacted flight schedules. The BCB has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of the delay and is preparing a revised tour itinerary.

The senior Bangladesh team is still scheduled to depart for Pakistan on August 17, with no changes reported yet. The PCB has proposed that the Bangladesh Test team travel to Pakistan early for training in Rawalpindi before the Test series begins on August 21. The BCB has yet to respond to this suggestion.

The ICC’s last venue switch occurred in 2021 when the men’s T20 World Cup was relocated from India to the UAE and Oman due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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