Women's T20 World Cup 2024 most likely heading to UAE; BCB requests more time

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to host the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2024, which is planned to be played in Bangladesh in October this year. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a potential alternative venue for the multi-team ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024.

Bangladesh is facing immense domestic unrest at the moment, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is currently considering relocating the tournament to another country due to concerns over the prolonged disturbances, including arson, looting, and riots.

Sheikh Hasina was forced to leave Bangladesh in a hurry on August 5. The military has indicated that an interim government will take charge. Several senior Bangladesh Cricket Board officials also fled the country. However, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is making efforts to host the tournament in Bangladesh.

United Arab Emirates To Host Women's T20 World Cup 2024?

According to a Cricbuzz report, the International Cricket Council is considering Dubai or Abu Dhabi as alternative venues for the Women's T20 World Cup. However, the BCB has requested more time from the ICC. International Cricket Council is expected to make a decision during an online meeting of the directors on August 20.

The report added that a BCB official said on August 15 that they had requested the International Cricket Council for five more days before making a final decision. The ICC had initially planned to decide by August 15. If granted, the final decision will be made on August 20 during the ICC board meeting.

India was considered a suitable alternative venue. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India declined due to various reasons, including the weather conditions. Jay Shah said that the ICC had inquired about hosting the World Cup in India. He also wanted to avoid hosting back-to-back World Cups.

BCB Writes To Army Seeking Security Assurance

Earlier, the BCB had requested security assurances from the Army Chief for the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The report added that the two parties are engaged in ongoing discussions about possible solutions. However, several BCB officials, including long-time president Nazmul Hassan, have left the country.

The ICC is looking for a host country with a time zone similar to Bangladesh and favorable weather conditions. Emirates Cricket Board has top-notch facilities and is eager to host the tournament. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have also shown interest, with only about 50 days until the tournament begins.

The August 20 meeting will focus on finalizing the terms for an inquiry into the Men's T20 World Cup. ICC formed a panel of three directors - Roger Twose, Lawson Naidoo, and Imran Khwaja - to report on this matter. The meeting may also address the decision regarding the Women's World Cup.

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