ICC shifts 9th Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to UAE

Dubai : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to relocate the ninth edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) retaining its status as the official host. The tournament, now set to take place from October 3 to 20, will be held across two of the UAE’s premier cricket venues—Dubai and Sharjah. This move comes amid concerns over the feasibility of hosting the event in Bangladesh due to ongoing challenges, which were not detailed by the ICC but likely include logistical and security issues.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice expressed regret over the necessity to move the tournament but emphasized the importance of providing a safe and successful event for all participants. “While we are disappointed that the tournament cannot be held in Bangladesh as originally planned, the decision to shift the event to the UAE was made in the best interest of the teams and fans,” Allardice stated. He also highlighted that the UAE, which houses the ICC headquarters, has proven itself as a reliable and world-class venue for international cricket, especially after successfully co-hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021 with Oman.

The UAE has rapidly emerged as a significant hub for global cricket, hosting a variety of international tournaments and matches, and has become known for its state-of-the-art facilities and ability to manage high-profile events. The relocation to the UAE is expected to offer teams and fans a well-organized and competitive tournament in a region with a strong cricketing infrastructure.

The decision also underscores the ICC’s commitment to ensuring that the Women’s T20 World Cup proceeds smoothly and that the players, officials, and fans experience a secure and enjoyable tournament. The move to the UAE, with its modern amenities and proven track record in hosting major cricket events, is seen as a strategic choice to uphold the standards and success of this prestigious tournament.