The future of the ICC T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, hangs in the balance due to the country’s escalating political turmoil and violence. Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has voiced her concerns, questioning the feasibility of hosting the tournament amidst the ongoing humanitarian crises.
Bangladesh has been grappling with significant political unrest and violence, resulting in the ousting of the government. The situation has led to numerous casualties and strained the nation’s resources. In light of these dire circumstances, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring alternative venues for the World Cup. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a leading candidate, with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also being considered as potential hosts. A request to India to host the event was, however, declined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Healy expressed her reservations about holding the tournament in Bangladesh, emphasizing the dire need for resources to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis. “I find it hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is struggling. They are needing everyone they can get in there helping people that are dying,” she told ESPNCricinfo. “I would find it hard to fathom playing there at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do. But I will leave it to the ICC to work out.”
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux echoed Healy’s concerns, highlighting that players are being kept informed about the evolving situation. “We have been [in] chats with Cricket Australia and they are doing a lot of work with the ICC, and we have got full faith that they will come up with the right decision for everyone,” Molineux said.
The ICC is expected to announce a decision regarding the tournament’s location soon. The cricketing world awaits with bated breath as the ICC navigates the complex situation, aiming to ensure the safety and appropriateness of the tournament’s location amidst the ongoing strife in Bangladesh.
