Bangladesh resolute to host Women's T20 World Cup despite political unrest

BCB sought security assurance from army chief to conduct Women's T20 World Cup, from October 3 to 20

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Despite the unrest and violent protests in Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) remains adamant about hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The tournament is set to begin on September 27, even as the country faces significant instability.

Concerns have heightened after the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, declared a state of emergency across the nation due to the escalating violence.

Media reports suggest that the BCB has reached out to Bangladesh's Army Chief of Staff, General Waqar Zaman, seeking assurances for the safety of players and officials during the event.

This move comes as the International Cricket Council (ICC) closely monitors the situation, considering alternative host nations, including India, the United Arab Emirates, and Sri Lanka, should the security situation in Bangladesh deteriorate further.

The ongoing turmoil has already resulted in the dismissal of key figures, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid and BCB President Nazmul Hassan.

BCB umpiring committee chairman Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu said, "We are trying to host the tournament."

"To be honest, there are not too many among us present in the country and on Thursday (August 8) we have sent a letter to the Army Chief regarding assurance about the security of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup as we have only two months in hand," he said.

Despite these challenges, Bangladeshi officials are eager to proceed with the tournament as planned.

The Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to run from October 3 to October 20, with all matches slated to be held in Dhaka and Sylhet.