The 2024 edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has been relocated from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant decision was finalized at the ICC board meeting following travel advisories from the governments of several participating nations. These advisories mandated the cricketing board to move the tournament out of Bangladesh, which is currently experiencing political turmoil triggered by large-scale protests.
Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe had also expressed their interest in hosting the prestigious tournament. However, it was the UAE that ultimately secured the nod from the ICC. “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event,” ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice stated in an official release on Tuesday, August 20.
Bangladesh Cricket Board will retain the hosting rights for this event, much like India did when the UAE last hosted an ICC event, the men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, alongside Oman. “I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh. However, travel advisories from the governments of several of the participating teams made it infeasible. They will retain hosting rights, and we look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future,” Allardice added.
Allardice extended his gratitude to the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host the event on behalf of the BCB. He also acknowledged the offers of support from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, expressing anticipation for seeing ICC global events in both countries in 2026.
The tournament is now scheduled to take place from October 3 to 20 at three prominent venues in the UAE: Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. This change in venue ensures the continuity and safety of the event, allowing teams and fans to fully enjoy the sport without the shadows of political unrest looming over their heads.
The structure of the tournament remains unchanged, divided into two groups. The defending champions, Australia, along with India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, have been drawn into Group A.
. Meanwhile, Group B comprises England, Bangladesh, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners of the semi-finals set to face off in a grand finale for the coveted trophy.
This unfortunate turn of events for Bangladesh comes at a time when the nation has been making significant strides in international cricket. Hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup would have further bolstered its growing reputation. Yet, the BCB’s efforts to address the security concerns faced by participating teams were thwarted by the escalating political situation. Despite this setback, the ICC’s decision to retain Bangladesh’s hosting rights for future events reflects an enduring confidence in the country’s capability to organize major tournaments.
The ICC, in shifting the tournament to the UAE, retains the momentum of women’s cricket, especially in a region that has seen an upsurge in cricketing activities. The UAE, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a growing passion for the sport, is well-prepared to rise to the occasion. Previous ICC events in the UAE, including the highly successful men’s T20 World Cup, have demonstrated the region’s proficiency in hosting international cricket tournaments.
Moreover, this decision ensures that the women’s game remains in the spotlight, unabated by external factors. The ICC’s commitment to promoting and nurturing women’s cricket is further exemplified by its proactive approach in safeguarding the continuity and integrity of its global events. This move also highlights the importance of flexibility and adaptability in maintaining the sport’s global appeal and ensuring players’ safety.
In conclusion, while the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024’s relocation to the UAE from Bangladesh is indeed a significant development, it underscores the global cricketing body’s unwavering dedication to the sport. This decisive action not only preserves the excitement and competitive spirit of the tournament but also promises an engaging and memorable event for cricket fans worldwide. The tournament’s success now hinges on the collaborative efforts of the ICC, the Emirates Cricket Board, and the teams, as they prepare to deliver an unforgettable spectacle of women’s cricket on an international stage.
