August 5, 2024

Bangladesh turmoil: ICC mulls back-up options to host women’s T20 World Cup

The departure of the Bangladesh A team to Pakistan has been delayed by 48 hours due to the current situation in Bangladesh. In response to the unrest, the ICC is considering alternative venues for the Women’s T20 World Cup, which is set to take place from October 3-20. The UAE, India, and Sri Lanka are being shortlisted as potential back-up locations.

The situation in Bangladesh has become increasingly unstable due to ongoing anti-government protests, which have led to several deaths. On Monday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left for India, with General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief, stepping in to lead an interim government. During the protests, several properties, including the home of former Bangladesh cricket captain Mashrafe Mortaza in Narail, about 150 kilometers from Dhaka, were destroyed. The ICC is preparing for the possibility of relocating the tournament if the situation does not improve.

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.”

The recent developments in Bangladesh have led the governments of Australia, England, and India to issue travel advisories against visiting the country. As a result, the ICC is considering alternative venues for the women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled for October 3-20. While India and Sri Lanka are potential back-up hosts due to their readiness, challenges remain. Sri Lanka faces a risk of rain in October, and in India, visa issues for the Pakistan team could pose difficulties.

Bangladesh A Team’s Departure to Pakistan Delayed Amid Travel Uncertainty

The BCB, meanwhile, has postponed the Bangladesh A team’s departure for Pakistan for a series with the Shaheens “by 48 hours”. The Dhaka airport was closed on Monday from 6pm to midnight, and it’s not certain if the scheduled flight will take off on Tuesday.

“The BCB has confirmed to the PCB their men’s ‘A’ cricket team’s departure for Islamabad has been delayed by 48 hours due to unforeseen circumstances,” the PCB said in a statement on Monday. “The BCB and PCB have been in regular contact for the past two days and will continue to work together on the revised tour itinerary with further details to follow in due course. The Bangladesh ‘A’ cricket team was due to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of Wednesday for two four-day and three 50-over matches from 10-27 August.”

The Bangladesh senior cricket team is scheduled to depart for Pakistan on August 17, and as of now, there are no changes to that plan. The PCB has suggested that the Bangladesh Test team arrive earlier to train in Rawalpindi before their series begins on August 21, but the BCB has not yet responded. In a similar situation in January 2007, when the government was overthrown, the National Sports Council dissolved the BCB’s board and set up an interim body. The last time the ICC moved a global tournament to a back-up venue was in 2021, when the Men’s T20 World Cup was relocated from India to the UAE and Oman due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Matthews helps skittle Brave as Fire strengthen grip on top spot

Welsh Fire tops the table after dominant win over Southern Brave

Welsh Fire moved to the top of the women’s Hundred standings with a commanding victory over Southern Brave at Sophia Gardens. The defending champions, Southern Brave, remain winless after being bowled out for just 84 runs. Hayley Matthews led the way for Fire with impressive figures of 3 for 16, as Southern Brave struggled against both seam and spin.

The match began dramatically, with Freya Davies dismissing Smriti Mandhana on the first ball, marking the second time Davies has taken a wicket on the first delivery in this year’s competition. Southern Brave continued to lose wickets regularly, unable to build any momentum, with Georgia Adams top-scoring with just 17 runs. Tammy Beaumont’s decision to field first was justified, as Welsh Fire’s bowlers and fielders, including standout catches from Phoebe Franklin and Beaumont, kept Brave in check.

In their chase, Welsh Fire lost Sophia Dunkley for a golden duck, but Beaumont and Bryce steadied the innings. Despite Beaumont falling to Lauren Cheatle, who bowled economically, Jess Jonassen guided Fire to a comfortable seven-wicket win. This marked their fourth victory of the season, solidifying their position at the top of the table.

Reflecting on her performance, Hayley Matthews, named the Meerkat Match Hero, said: “I just tried to pitch it in some really good areas – I think there was a bit in the pitch for me as a spinner. So I tried to keep my lines pretty straight and I managed to get some wickets doing that. There was a bit of turn and bounce in the pitch, so I felt the length was really important and I tried to keep the stumps in play for as long as possible.”

“We’ve been playing really well as a team and having everyone contribute. We obviously had a good start, getting the wicket from the first ball and we just went from there.”