UAE Likely to Host 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup; BCB Requests Extension

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled to be held in Bangladesh in October this year. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the alternative venue for the multi-team ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Bangladesh is facing major civil unrest at a time that has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently considering shifting the tournament to another country due to prolonged disruptions including arson, looting and rioting.

On 5th August Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Bangladesh in haste. The military has indicated that an interim government will take over. Senior officials of the Bangladesh Cricket Board also left the country. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (PCB) is making efforts to host the tournament in Bangladesh.

Will UAE host 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup?
According to a Crigbus report, the International Cricket Council is considering Dubai or Abu Dhabi as an alternative venue for the Women’s T20 World Cup. However, the PCB has requested more time from the ICC. The International Cricket Council is expected to take a decision at an online meeting of directors on August 20.

The report added that a PCB official had said on August 15 that they had sought five more days from the International Cricket Council before taking a final decision. The ICC had originally planned to take a decision by August 15. If approved, the final decision will be taken at the ICC board meeting on August 20.

India was considered a suitable alternative destination. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India refused due to various reasons including weather. Jai Shah said that the ICC has inquired about hosting the World Cup in India. He also wanted to avoid hosting World Cups again.

BCB writes to Army seeking security guarantee
Earlier, the PCB had sought security assurance from the Army Chief for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. The report added that the two sides are continuing discussions on possible solutions. However, several BCB officials, including longtime president Nazmul Hasan, have fled the country.

ICC is looking for a host country with similar time zone and favorable weather conditions to Bangladesh. The Emirates Cricket Board has excellent facilities and is eager to host the tournament. With 50 days left for the tournament, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka are also keen.

The meeting on August 20 will focus on finalizing the terms of reference for the Men’s T20 World Cup inquiry. The ICC set up a committee of three directors, Roger Doos, Lawson Naidoo and Imran Khwaja, to report on the matter. The meeting will also discuss the decision regarding the Women’s World Cup.