The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka are being considered as potential alternate venues for the women’s T20 World Cup if the ICC needs to move the tournament out of Bangladesh due to recent unrest in the country.
Protests and political turmoil in Bangladesh have resulted in deaths and disruptions, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and the army chief to take charge of an interim government. The situation has raised concerns about the safety of hosting the tournament in Bangladesh as scheduled from October 3-20.
The ICC is closely monitoring the situation and exploring alternative options for hosting the tournament. Travel advisories from participating countries like Australia, England, and India warning against travel to Bangladesh have further escalated concerns.
While India and Sri Lanka are viable back-up options for hosting the tournament, logistical challenges such as potential rain in Sri Lanka and visa issues for Pakistan in India need to be addressed. The BCB has also postponed the departure of Bangladesh A team to Pakistan due to unforeseen circumstances, adding to the uncertainty surrounding international cricket events in the region.
The ICC’s focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants, and discussions are ongoing to determine the best course of action for the women’s T20 World Cup. The possibility of moving the tournament to a different host country, as done in the past with the men’s T20 World Cup, is being considered to mitigate risks and ensure a successful event.