Kolkata : ICC Women’s T20 World Cup which Bangladesh is supposed to host, is under clouds of doubts after ongoing widespread political turmoil in every corners of the country.
The T20 Wc is set to start on October 3, with warm up games starting from September 27.
Bangladesh have seen widespread political protests right from students standing against quota system and wrecking & vandalizing of Hindu Temples , Houses set on fire and severe other violences yesterday. The resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ignited these and the country is under military takeover with high alert security threats.
An ICC event or any bilateral series in these conditions seems next to impossible.
An ICC official said on Monday that the situation in Bangladesh was being monitored and all options had been kept open. “The ICC is closely monitoring developments in co-ordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board [BCB], their security agencies and our own independent security consultants,” an ICC statement said. “Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants.”
Following Monday’s developments, the governments of at least three countries that will be part of the event – Australia, England and India – have issued travel advisories to their citizens against visiting Bangladesh.
According to reports, ICC has shortlisted India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan as alternative venues. However, October is monsoon in Sri Lanka, while an event in India could mean visa issues for Pakistan, while in Pakistan, BCCI’s denial and security threats can be a huge factor.
Along with these, India vs Bangladesh , Pakistan vs Bangladesh are under doubts. BCB also postponed Bangladesh ‘A’ team’s series in Pakistan by ’48 hours’.
An official decision on these issues is yet to come regarding the tournament and change in venues.
