The cricketing world is grappling with a complex issue: how fitting is it to host mega tournaments amidst political and social unrest. The recent developments in Bangladesh, involving the resignation and fleeing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and widespread civil disobedience, have put the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in a limbo.
Women’s T20 WC not safe in Bangladesh!
Australian captain Alyssa Healy’s candid admission of apprehension gives a red alarm to the growing concern among players about the safety and security of participating in a tournament under such volatile conditions in Bangladesh. The BCCI’s decisive stance against hosting the event at the eleventh hour has also been clear: No hosting of the Women’s T20 World Cup in India due monsoon conditions in October and there is another Women’s World Cup (2025) next year scheduled in the country.
While Zimbabwe and UAE have emerged as potential alternatives, the question remains: is it prudent to relocate a global event at such short notice? The logistical challenges and financial implications might be a concern but it is not safe either to send the teams in a country that has seen hundreds of killings in ever-going protests. BCCI should step in and get hold of the proceedings, and try not to send the Indian women’s team to Bangladesh.
What about ICC Champions Trophy?
It’s imperative to draw parallels between the Bangladesh situation and the looming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan. The political tensions between India and Pakistan are well-documented, and the prospect of an Indian cricket team traversing the border seems impossible as of now. If you remember Pakistan were the original hosts for the 2022 Asia Cup as well and India then forced ACC to make Sri Lanka co-hosts so that the Men in Blue could play their matches down south. As it panned out, only a few games were played in Pakistan as India went all the way through the tournament.
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For ICC Champions Trophy, however, ICC have allocated budget, Pakistan have started preparations and it seems certain for them to host an event for the first time since 1996. Regardless, India have not yet sanctioned their travel. BCCI officials say that the ultimate decision is with the Indian Government and we could well see a repeat of Asia Cup 2022.
Dangerous Pakistan?
While cricket is undoubtedly a unifying force between any nations, it is safe to say that India won’t travel to Pakistan given the huge political conflicts between the nation. Moreover, we as fans also remember the infamous Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan. Some terrorists attacked and injured six Sri Lankan players, killed six security officers and two civilians as well.
Thilan Samaraweera was shot on his leg, Tharanga Paranavitana was hit in his chest and Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara too suffered injuries. Muttiah Muralitharan even said that the security was the worst he had ever experienced.
Teams often decline traveling to countries with a ‘state’ of unrest. Just look at Australia, who have always stood on their grounds on not to travel to Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. After all, the safety and well-being of players, officials, and spectators must take precedence over sporting ambitions. The ICC, as the governing body, has a huge responsibility to ensure a secure environment for all stakeholders. Relocating the Women’s T20 World Cup, while disruptive, might be the only viable option.
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