Last Updated on 4 months by Charbel Coorey
According to a report from The Times of India (TOI), a spokesperson from the International Cricket Council (ICC) said they are closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh ahead of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup. Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Prime Minister and fled the country via an army helicopter as anti-government rallies, led by Bangladeshi students, ramped up in recent months.
Hasina’s government implemented a quota system that reserved 30% of the government jobs for relatives of veterans who fought in Bangladesh’s War of Independence in 1971. Also, high unemployment and inflation has led to further unrest, with protests, violence, and deaths on the streets.
The situation in Bangladesh could jeopardise the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place between October 3 and 20 in Dhaka and Sylhet.
“The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants,” the ICC spokesperson told TOI.
Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Indian External Affairs, posted on X that citizens are advised against travelling to Bangladesh.
“In view of ongoing developments, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Bangladesh till further notice,” the post read.
“All Indian nationals presently in Bangladesh are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with the High Commission of India in Dhaka through emergency phone numbers.”
CA yet to have conversations on situation in Bangladesh ahead of 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup
In an interview obtained by CricBlog last week, legendary all-rounder Ellyse Perry confirmed she was yet to hear from Cricket Australia (CA) on the situation in Bangladesh.
“No, absolutely not,” she said when asked whether conversations were had with CA on the unrest. “Like every other tour and competition we play on, there’s a huge canvassing of security, and where we’re travelling to, and there’s lots of people that handle that so we have absolute faith in that.”
“I’m sure if we play over there, it’ll be in the safe positions,” she said.
At this stage, there is no news or confirmation of an alternative venue for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup if Bangladesh is deemed unsafe.
