DHAKA: The ICC is exploring alternative venues for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3-20, due to the country’s recent political turmoil. The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka are being considered as potential backup locations.
Bangladesh has been experiencing severe anti-government protests, leading to around 300 fatalities. On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and sought refuge in India, while Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman took control to form an interim government.
Amid the chaos, properties belonging to members of Hasina’s Awami League, including the residence of former Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza in Narail, were targeted and damaged by protestors.
In light of the escalating situation, the ICC is actively monitoring the developments. An ICC official stated on Monday, “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Given the instability, the governments of Australia, England, and India, whose teams are set to participate in the tournament, have issued travel advisories against visiting Bangladesh. This has prompted the ICC to consider backup options. Sri Lanka faces the threat of rain in October, and India may face issues regarding visa issuance for the Pakistani team.
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The BCB has already postponed the departure of the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan by 48 hours. The Dhaka airport was shut down on Monday from 6 PM to midnight, casting uncertainty over the scheduled flight on Tuesday. “The BCB has confirmed to the PCB that their men’s ‘A’ cricket team’s departure for Islamabad has been delayed by 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances,” the PCB stated. “The BCB and PCB have been in regular contact for the past two days and will continue to work together on the revised tour itinerary with further details to follow in due course.”
The Bangladesh senior team’s departure for Pakistan, scheduled for August 17, remains unchanged for now. ESPNcricinfo reported that the PCB has proposed to the BCB that the Bangladesh Test team arrive in Pakistan earlier to train and practice in Rawalpindi before the Test series commencing on August 21. However, the BCB has yet to respond to this suggestion.
The last instance of a government abdicating or falling, in January 2007, led to the National Sports Council dissolving the BCB’s board of directors, and appointing an interim body.
