The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a significant change regarding the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Originally scheduled to be held in Bangladesh this October, the tournament will now take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Despite the change in location, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will continue to hold the hosting rights for the event.
The decision to relocate the tournament was influenced by travel advisories issued by several governments of the participating teams, making it unfeasible to host the event in Bangladesh. The ICC Chief Executive, Geoff Allardice, expressed his disappointment, acknowledging the BCB’s efforts to host what would have been a memorable event. He stated, “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.” Allardice extended his gratitude to the BCB for their dedication and efforts in exploring all possible avenues to facilitate the event in Bangladesh.
Despite the relocation, the ICC remains committed to bringing a global event to Bangladesh in the future. Allardice emphasized this commitment by saying, “We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future.” This assurance highlights the ICC’s intention to maintain strong ties with Bangladesh and its cricketing community.
The tournament will now be held across two prominent venues in the UAE—Dubai and Sharjah—from October 3 to 20. The UAE, which hosts the ICC headquarters, has emerged as a vital hub for international cricket in recent years. It has successfully hosted numerous qualifier tournaments and was a co-host for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 alongside Oman. This experience makes the UAE a fitting alternative location for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
In addition to thanking the BCB, Allardice also expressed his appreciation to the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host the tournament on behalf of Bangladesh. He acknowledged the generous offers of support from Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, expressing anticipation for ICC global events in these countries in 2026. “I’d also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host on behalf of the BCB and Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for their generous offers of support, and we look forward to seeing ICC global events in both of those countries in 2026,” Allardice stated.
The UAE’s role as a cricketing hub has grown significantly, and this relocation further solidifies its position as a key player in the international cricket scene. The country’s state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure make it an ideal location for hosting large-scale cricket events. The Dubai International Stadium and the Sharjah Cricket Stadium are renowned venues that have witnessed numerous high-profile matches, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.
This relocation also underscores the ICC’s adaptability and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all participants. By moving the tournament to the UAE, the ICC aims to provide a safe environment for players, officials, and fans alike. The decision reflects the organization’s proactive approach in responding to global challenges and ensuring the successful execution of its events.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing the talents of female cricketers from around the world. The tournament will feature a series of exciting matches, culminating in a grand finale that will captivate cricket enthusiasts globally. With the UAE’s proven track record of hosting successful cricket tournaments, fans can expect a well-organized and memorable event.
As the countdown to October begins, teams and fans alike are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament. The ICC’s decision to hold the event in the UAE ensures that the spirit of cricket continues to thrive, despite the challenges posed by global circumstances. The Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will not only celebrate the prowess of female cricketers but also reinforce the resilience and unity of the global cricketing community.
In conclusion, while the relocation of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 from Bangladesh to the UAE may come as a disappointment to some, it also presents an opportunity to showcase the UAE’s capabilities as a premier cricketing destination. The ICC’s commitment to bringing future events to Bangladesh remains steadfast, and the cricketing world eagerly anticipates a successful tournament in the UAE this October.
