2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Relocated to UAE Amidst Civil Unrest in Bangladesh

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced that the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to ongoing civil unrest in the original host country.

The tournament, which was scheduled to take place from 3-20 October, will now be held at two venues in the UAE—Dubai and Sharjah. This decision comes following severe anti-government protests in Bangladesh that led to significant political upheaval.

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled to India earlier this month after weeks of deadly demonstrations, which claimed over 400 lives. The violence began as a protest against civil service job quotas and has resulted in a provisional administration led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed regret over the move, noting, "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’d like to thank the BCB for their efforts and the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in."

India, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe had all been considered as potential alternative hosts, with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe offering to stage the tournament. However, the UAE has been selected as the new venue.

England and Scotland, who have qualified for the tournament, will now play their opening fixtures in the UAE. They were originally scheduled to play at Dhaka's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, with England facing South Africa and Scotland up against Bangladesh on 3 October. The teams were set to meet each other in their final group match on 14 October.

Allardice affirmed that the BCB will retain its hosting rights and expressed hope for bringing an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the future.

The last edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup was held in South Africa in February 2023, where Australia claimed their sixth title with a 19-run victory over the hosts.

For those following the tournament, ball-by-ball radio commentary will be available on BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra.