ICC Trophy. (Source – Twitter/X)
The UAE (United Arab Emirates) has emerged as potential hosts for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup as Bangladesh, who are the original hosts, are trying their level best to keep the tournament from being moved out of the country due to the political unrest in the country.
The apex cricket governing body ICC (International Cricket Council) is falling short of time as they are looking towards the UAE as a potential option to host the tournament. However, the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) has asked for some more time from them. The ICC is expected to make a decision on the same by August 20, when an online meeting of the board is scheduled. An official in Bangladesh revealed that the board had requested the ICC for five more days before making the call. India was considered an alternative for hosting the tournament, but the Indian cricket board passed up on the opportunity.
“They (ICC) have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no. We’re in the monsoon and on top of that we will host the women’s ODI World Cup next year. I don’t want to give any kind of signals that I want to hold consecutive World Cups,” the BCCI secretary Jay Shah was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
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ICC has given time to BCB before taking a final call on Women’s T20 World Cup
Meanwhile, it has been reported that the ICC has been looking for a potential host that is close to the time zone of Bangladesh and has clear weather conditions, and the UAE matches the criteria well. Furthermore, the ECB (Emirates Cricket Board) is keen on hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup, with the likes of Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka showing a keen interest in playing the hosts as well.
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The meeting, which is scheduled for August 20, has a different agenda from the Women’s T20 World Cup hosting. The meeting is supposed to be for an inquiry into the delivery of the recent Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.
The ICC, having given more time to the BCB, is expected to finally give its decision on the Women’s T20 World Cup hosting at the upcoming meeting.