The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially announced that the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be relocated from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant decision comes amid ongoing security concerns, leading several participating teams to express reservations about traveling to Bangladesh.
Originally scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, the tournament will now be hosted across Dubai and Sharjah, two of the UAE’s premier cricketing venues. The ICC made the difficult call after extensive consultations with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and various government bodies from the participating nations.
ICC Chief Executive Expresses Regret
Geoff Allardice, ICC Chief Executive, expressed disappointment over the move but highlighted the necessity of prioritizing the safety and well-being of the players and officials. “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event. I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn’t feasible,” Allardice stated.
He also confirmed that Bangladesh would retain its hosting rights for a future ICC event, underscoring the ICC’s commitment to bringing international cricket back to the country. “We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future,” he added.
UAE Steps In to Host the Tournament
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) has stepped up to host the prestigious event, ensuring that the tournament can proceed without further disruptions. “I’d also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host on behalf of the BCB,” Allardice noted, acknowledging the swift and collaborative efforts that have enabled the relocation. He also extended his gratitude to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, who had offered their venues as potential alternatives.
The decision to move the event to the UAE also reflects the region’s growing significance in global cricket. With world-class facilities and a proven track record of hosting international tournaments, the UAE is well-positioned to deliver an exciting and memorable Women’s T20 World Cup.
ICC Chair Greg Barclay to Step Down
In a related development, ICC Chair Greg Barclay confirmed that he would not seek a third term and plans to step down at the end of November 2024. Barclay, who has served as the Independent ICC Chair since November 2020 and was re-elected in 2022, has overseen significant developments in international cricket during his tenure.
Nominations for the new ICC Chair must be submitted by August 27, 2024. If multiple candidates are nominated, an election will be held, with the new Chair assuming office on December 1, 2024.
While the decision to relocate the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE is rooted in safety concerns, it also demonstrates the flexibility and resilience of the global cricketing community. As the UAE prepares to host this major event, cricket fans can look forward to a thrilling tournament in October, showcasing the best of women’s cricket on a global stage.
