While the International Cricket Council (ICC) has been trying to deal with the matter away from the public eye, many reports suggest that the Women’s T20 World Cup will most definitely be moved out of Bangladesh. An ICC representative mentioned earlier that the best interest and safety of all members will be prioritized amidst this unfortunate situation.
“The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies, and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Although the protests have ended with Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s resignation and departure from the country, political stability remains elusive. In addition to that, the dissolution of parliament renders the country unable to run its cricket affairs aptly as of now. This takes the hosting of the mega-event possibility out of the equation.
It was speculated that the tournament might be moved to Sri Lanka, India, or the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with India being the potential alternative host. However, this situation took a big turn, when Jay Shah, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, refused to accept the offer.
“They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no,” Shah said.
“We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the Women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups.”
The political situation in Bangladesh is affecting cricket in the country as a whole. Bangladesh Men’s team had to fly to Pakistan early to practice there ahead of the two-match red-ball series against the men in green. Interestingly, the team has to travel to India for a bilateral series next month as well. Bangladesh will play three T20Is and two Test matches in India. When asked about the consequences the present scenario will have on the aforementioned tour, Shah said that both Boards will soon get in contact.
“We’ve not spoken to them (Bangladesh Cricket Board). A new (interim) government has taken charge there. They might reach out to us or else I will reach out to them. The Bangladesh series is very important to us.”
Countries like Australia and England have issued travel advisories to tourists. While the interim government is desperately trying to convince the ICC against moving the ten-team tournament out of the country, it does not seem likely that the global governing body will agree.
India’s refusal leaves the ICC with two possible options; Sri Lanka and UAE. Like India, Sri Lanka’s monsoon is equally, if not more, unforgiving. Hosting a tournament there would mean seeing frustrating washouts or using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern Method every second of the match. UAE will have humid but mostly dry weather. However, the significant effect of the toss factor will be a big deal-breaker. Nevertheless, no matter which venue the global body chooses, it will have to race against time to make all the arrangements before the tournament begins in October.
