Women's T20 World Cup 2024 shifted from Bangladesh to UAE
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a change in venue for the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup, due to political unrest in Bangladesh.
The tournament, initially scheduled to take place in Bangladesh, will now be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Despite this change, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will continue to play a significant role as host of the event.
Here are further details.
Venue change
UAE selected as new venue after ICC board meeting
The decision to shift the venue was made during a virtual board meeting conducted by the ICC. The UAE was chosen as the new location for this prestigious cricket tournament.
The matches will be played at two venues in the UAE - Dubai and Sharjah, between October 3 and 20.
This change comes as a result of political instability in Bangladesh, which led to travel advisories from several participating teams' governments.
Official statement
ICC CEO expresses disappointment over venue change
Geoff Allardice, the ICC chief executive, expressed his disappointment over the venue change in a statement.
He commended the BCB for their efforts to host the event despite challenging circumstances.
Allardice also thanked the Emirates Cricket Board for its cooperation and acknowledged the boards of Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, which offered to host the tournament.
Cricket hub
UAE's growing prominence in global cricket
The UAE, which houses the ICC headquarters, has emerged as a significant center for cricket in recent years.
It has hosted several qualifier tournaments and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021 alongside Oman.
The UAE also played host to the second phase of 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) as well as the entire IPL 2020.
The country's rising status in cricket is evident from its current ranking (men's and women's teams).
Leadership
ICC Chair Barclay to step down in November
In another development, Greg Barclay has confirmed his decision to step down as the ICC Chairperson after his tenure ends in November.
Barclay was appointed as the Independent ICC Chair in November 2020 and was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Current directors are required to submit nominations for the next Chair by August 27, 2024.
If there are more than two candidates, an election will be held with the new Chair's term beginning on December 1, 2024.