ICC internal security team is keenly watching developments in Bangladesh, where a state of unrest has led to the resignation and subsequent flight from the country by Sheikh Hasina.
In light of this, however, the ICC is yet to decide on whether it will move the venue for the Women’s T20 World Cup scheduled for October 3-20 in Bangladesh.
The interregnum administration is set to take over control in Bangladesh. On Monday, Army Chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman said in Dhaka that as the opposition ramped up its protests against Hasina’s government such occurrence has led to over 100 fatalities have been recorded within 48 hours.
The ICC is cautious but still monitoring what happens.
“There is an independent security system across all member countries of ICC,” said an ICC board member who did not want to be named in Parami News briefing. “It is being closely watched but it’s too early to say anything about moving out of Bangladesh with only seven weeks left before the start of this tournament”.
There have been violent demonstrations across various cities concerning a quota system that sets aside thirty percent jobs for families whose forebears fought during the liberation war of 1971.
Similar waves have been seen across Sri Lanka in March 2022 when demonstrators broke into Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s home under accusations of graft and inflation. Despite such events occurring, Australia travelled to Sri Lanka for bilateral series between June.
The forthcoming Women’s T20 World Cup will be held between Dhaka and Sylhet.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has already “strongly advised Indian nationals against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice.” BCCI traditionally follows governmental guidance during such cases.
ICC does consider force majeure situations while planning its activities also
If need be, cricket teams could opt for relocation; a suitable option would be Sri Lanka which hosted Men’s T20 World Cup from September through October, 2012.
However, one critical issue remains: will countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia send their women cricket teams to Bangladesh in the light of prevailing insecure environment?
In the countdown to the start date of Women’s T20 World Cup, ICC continues to monitor events around it.
