Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CMC):
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to shift the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The much-awaited event, which will take place from October 3 to 20, was initially scheduled to be held in Bangladesh.
But in a statement released yesterday, ICC chief executive Geoff Allardice said the change in venue was due to travel advisories for Bangladesh issued by several of the participating governments.
Earlier this month, social unrest erupted in Bangladesh, forcing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee the country.
The World Cup will now be held in the UAE, but the Bangladesh Cricket Board will continue to host the tournament.
“It is disappointing that we cannot host the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as I know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have put on a memorable event,” Allardice said in a statement.
“We would like to thank the BCB team for taking all steps to ensure the event could be held in Bangladesh, however due to travel advisories issued by many of the participating teams, it was not possible. However, they will retain the hosting rights and we look forward to hosting an ICC global event in Bangladesh in the near future.”
“I would also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for undertaking the hosting on behalf of the BCB, and Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for their generous support. We look forward to them hosting a global ICC event in 2026,” he added.
The UAE, home to the ICC headquarters, has become a key cricket hub in recent years, hosting a number of qualifying tournaments and, together with Oman, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.