The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner to host the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) tries to prevent the tournament from being relocated.
With the International Cricket Council (ICC) operating under tight deadlines, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are being considered as alternative venues.
The BCB, however, asked for more time to come up with a viable plan to retain the tournament in Bangladesh.
The final decision is expected during the online meeting of the ICC Board of Directors scheduled for August 20.
India was initially considered as a strong alternative host, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) declined due to weather and logistical challenges. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah explained that hosting back-to-back World Cups was not feasible, especially with the Women’s ODI World Cup coming up next year.
BCB remains optimistic, working to meet ICC requirements to keep the tournament, which is scheduled to begin with warm-up matches on September 27, followed by the main event from October 3 to 20, featuring 10 teams and 23 matches.
Earlier, the BCB sought security assurances from the Army Chief, but the ongoing violence has led key officials, including President Nazmul Hassan, to flee the country.
As the ICC looks for a host country with a time zone similar to Bangladesh and favorable weather conditions, the UAE has emerged as a strong contender.
The Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), known for its state-of-the-art facilities, is reportedly keen to host the event. Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka have also expressed interest, but with less than 50 days to go until the start of the tournament, time is of the essence.
While the ICC meeting on August 20 is mainly focused on finalizing the terms of reference for an inquiry into the recent Men’s T20 World Cup jointly hosted by the USA and West Indies, the decision on the Women’s T20 World Cup is also expected to be considered. .
a href=”https://tribune.com.pk/story/2488566/icc-considering-new-venue-for-2024-womens-t20-world-cup-as-bcb-fights-to-host-event”>Source link
