The fate of the pending Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh remains uncertain due to the changing political landscape. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Sports Adviser to the Interim Government, believes that successfully hosting the T20 World Cup amidst the current instability would be a significant milestone.
In a press conference on Sunday, Asif Mahmud stated, "Hosting the T20 World Cup would be a notable milestone for us."
Bangladesh is navigating a critical period, and it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of our guests. This matter extends beyond the Ministry of Sports; it is a state issue. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and the United Arab Emirates are being considered as alternative venues for the World Cup, with Zimbabwe also expressing interest in hosting the tournament.
"Discussions with the ICC are ongoing. Dr. Muhammad Yunus will oversee the matter. The newly appointed Home Affairs Adviser and I will make a decision after consulting with all parties," Asif added.
Meanwhile, Travel ban a major obstacle to organizing the Women World Cup when on August 5, six countries advised their people not to travel in Bangladesh due to security concern.
Concerns about hosting the Women's T20 World Cup persist. Despite security assurances from the interim government, the International Cricket Council (ICC) remains unresponsive. The venue for the World Cup will be decided at the meeting on August 20.
Indian Cricket Board General Secretary Jay Shah supports hosting the World Cup in Bangladesh, but travel bans from several countries pose a significant obstacle. England, Australia, New Zealand, and India have banned their citizens from travelling to Bangladesh since the anti-discrimination student movement. Nine days after the formation of the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus on 8th August, these countries have not lifted the travel ban.
Although the law and order situation in the country is stable, these nations continue to monitor Dhaka. BCB CEO Nizamuddin Chowdhury stated that nothing can be confirmed until some countries withdraw or relax the travel ban.
The Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Sylhet and Dhaka from 3rd to 20th October. The BCB has made all necessary arrangements to host the World Cup as planned. Azizur Rahim, the convener of the local organising committee, has advanced all activities. As Beximco Pharmaceuticals is involved, Aziz is tasked with organising major tournaments like the World Cup. BCB President Nazmul Hasan and Director Ismail Haider Mallick may dissolve Aziz's committee.
If the World Cup is held in Bangladesh, there may be changes in the local organising committee. Reorganising the committee is not a difficult task. The board can appoint an anti-discrimination organiser on the advice of Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Sports Ministry. The BCB Board of Directors must make this decision. In that case, the board cannot convene a meeting without proper instructions from the government.
Director Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu said, "We will be able to make a decision in the meeting once we meet the quorum of nine members. There are no guidelines on the process to follow. The Ministry of Sports should instruct us to either continue working, resign, or initiate new elections. We cannot proceed without the ministry's decision. The BCB will receive eight million dollars if the Women's World Cup is held in Bangladesh. A director mentioned that part of the budget from the ICC has already been transferred to the BCB's account."
