Bangladesh to UAE – A timeline of how Women’s T20 WC changed hands

Bangladesh were all but set to host the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, but circumstances have escalated to such a level that the ICC decided to move the marquee event to the UAE. A student protest that began in early July in Bangladesh against the country's job quota system, initially on a low scale, erupted to a level that is beyond imaginable. 

Here’s a look back at the timeline of what transpired in Bangladesh:

August 5

The government falls

Following the intense violence in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina resigned as Prime Minister, bringing an end to her 15-year reign. Along with her, her government was uprooted, and many supporters of the ruling government, including BCB president Nazmul Hassan, fled the country. Furthermore, Mashrafe Mortaza, the former Bangladesh skipper’s house too, was burnt as he was an elected MP under the ruling government.

Women’s T20 World Cup in jeopardy

As a result, for the first time, there was a cloud over Bangladesh hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup. The ten-team event was due to be held in Dhaka and Sylhet between October 3 and 20. The ICC, too, spoke up on the issue for the first time.

“The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies and our independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants,” an ICC spokesperson told Sportstar.

August 11

BCB look to cling on

With the BCB president out of the country, Bangladesh was trying its best to hold on to the marquee event. However, complications arose, as many countries, including England and Australia, issued advisories against travelling to Bangladesh, further putting the tournament in trouble. That led to the interim government seeking some time. 

August 15

India pull out of race

With the unrest growing in Bangladesh, the ICC was quickly looking to make a final decision on where the tournament would be played. The idea was to have the tournament played in a similar time zone as Bangladesh, and as a result, India, Sri Lanka and the UAE became automatic favourites.

However, India pulled themselves out of the race. "They [ICC] have asked us if we would conduct the World Cup. I have categorically said no," BCCI secretary Jay Shah told the Times of India. 

"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.”

August 16 

Zimbabwe jump at the opportunity

With it now being abundantly clear that Bangladesh would not host the event, Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka both threw their hat in the ring. They had not hosted a World Cup since 2003 when they co-hosted the Men’s ODI World Cup along with South Africa and Kenya. The option was tempting as the weather was expected to be dry with no chance of rain. 

But more realistically the UAE became firm favourites to host the tournament once the BCCI backed out.

August 19

Healy speaks out

Australia skipper Alyssa Healy became the first cricketer to speak about the violence in Bangladesh. She said that it would be “morally wrong” to play the World Cup in Bangladesh. 

"I find it really hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is really struggling," Healy said, according to ESPNcricinfo. 

"They're needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying.”

"I'd 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'll leave it to the ICC to work out."

August 20

World Cup officially moves to the UAE

The ICC takes the call to officially shift the Women’s T20 World Cup from Bangladesh to the UAE. The 23-match tournament will be played across two venues – Dubai and Sharjah. 

“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," Geoff Allardice, ICC's Chief Executive, said.

Also, BCB director Jalal Yunus resigned after the National Sports Council asked him to do so, which was the first step towards revamping the entire setup.

August 21

New BCB president appointed

Former Bangladesh cricketer Faruque Ahmed was appointed as the new BCB president following Nzamul Hassan’s resignation. 

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