In a significant reshuffle that has caught the attention of the global cricketing community, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Monday, August 26, a revamped schedule for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. The tournament, originally set to be held in Bangladesh, has been moved to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to political unrest in Bangladesh. This change has set the stage for a highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, scheduled for October 6. However, it’s the timing of this marquee encounter—3:30 PM IST—that has raised a few eyebrows.
The decision to kick off the IND vs PAK clash at 3:30 PM IST is intriguing as it deviates from the traditional prime-time evening slot. The Indian men’s team is also playing a T20I against Bangladesh on the same day, with their match set to commence at 7 PM IST at the New Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior.
By scheduling the India vs Pakistan Women’s T20 World Cup match in the afternoon, the ICC has strategically avoided a clash with the men’s game. This move is seen as a calculated effort to ensure that the viewership and traction for both matches are maximized. While the anticipation around the India vs Pakistan encounter is expected to peak, the ICC aims to ensure that the India vs Bangladesh men’s T20I also garners significant viewership.
It is worth noting that while the ICC has meticulously planned the timings to avoid overlapping marquee matches, other matches in the Women’s T20 World Cup have been scheduled for the evening. For example, India’s games against New Zealand (October 4), Sri Lanka (October 9), and Australia (October 13) are all set to begin at 7:30 PM IST.
However, an interesting conflict remains.
. The second T20I between India and Bangladesh is set to overlap with India’s Women’s World Cup match against Sri Lanka on October 9, both starting at 7:30 PM IST. Despite this, the ICC has not yet announced any changes to the timing of this match, adding a layer of intrigue to the schedule.
The ICC has not issued an official statement regarding the specific reason for starting the IND vs PAK clash at 3:30 PM IST. Nonetheless, it is evident that the world cricketing body seeks to maximize the audience for this high-stakes encounter. Furthermore, the broadcasting rights for both series—the Women’s T20 World Cup and the IND vs BAN series—are held by different entities. Star Sports has secured the broadcasting rights for the Women’s T20 World Cup, while Sports18 will telecast India’s home series against Bangladesh.
The shift in venue and reshuffle in the schedule reflect the ICC’s adaptability to unforeseen geopolitical situations and its commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of international cricketing events. The UAE, with its world-class facilities and infrastructure, is well-equipped to host the Women’s T20 World Cup, providing a safe and competitive environment for the teams.
India’s revised schedule for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is as follows:
– October 4: India vs New Zealand at 7:30 PM IST
– October 6: India vs Pakistan at 3:30 PM IST
– October 9: India vs Sri Lanka at 7:30 PM IST
– October 13: India vs Australia at 7:30 PM IST
In contrast, the schedule for the India vs Bangladesh men’s T20I series is:
– October 6: 1st T20I at 7 PM IST
– October 9: 2nd T20I at 7 PM IST
– October 12: 3rd T20I at 7 PM IST
The adjustments to the schedule mark a significant development in international women’s cricket, drawing attention to the growing prominence and popularity of the women’s game. With arch-rivals India and Pakistan set to lock horns in a standalone afternoon slot, the ICC has positioned the match to attract maximum viewership and fan engagement.
As the new venues and timings take shape, the global cricketing community eagerly awaits the unfolding of what promises to be an exciting and action-packed Women’s T20 World Cup, bringing together the best in the sport and showcasing the rising stars of women’s cricket on an international stage.
