Image Source: Getty The Australian cricket team holding the T20 World Cup 2023 trophy.
Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates have emerged as the new contenders to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024. After India rejected the offer, the ICC continues to search for a new venue to host the World Cup, which is scheduled to begin in Bangladesh from October 3.
The ICC is reportedly considering hosting the ninth edition of the tournament outside Bangladesh due to protests against the previous government and security concerns. The ICC approached the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about this, but chief executive Jay Shah rejected the offer, citing the rainy season.
The UAE has also expressed interest in hosting the tournament as a neutral venue. Neither the UAE nor Zimbabwe have qualified to play in this edition of the T20 World Cup but are interested in hosting the tournament to improve their ranking in world cricket.
Zimbabwe hosted the Women’s ODI World Cup in 2003 and recently hosted the 2023 World Cup qualifiers. Zimbabwe is also set to host the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup in 2026, co-hosting it with Namibia, as well as the next Women’s ODI World Cup in 2026, co-hosting it with South Africa and Namibia.
Harare Sports Club and Queen’s Sports Club in Bwayo are two high-standard venues in Zimbabwe with suitable weather for hosting the international tournament in October.
However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains positive about going ahead with the tournament and has reportedly asked the ICC for more time to get the organisation in place.
More to come…