Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is facing an uphill battle to retain hosting rights for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup amidst travel restrictions imposed by several countries. The BCB is seeking the United Nations' intervention to address the issue.Asif Mahmud, the youth and sports adviser of Bangladesh's interim government, confirmed that the BCB will engage with the UN to discuss the travel restrictions. The governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and New Zealand have either advised against travel to Bangladesh or imposed outright bans.The BCB considers these travel restrictions as a major obstacle to hosting the tournament. Mahmud stated, "There are travel restrictions for some countries and so we will speak with the United Nations. There are some issues regarding security and infrastructure and we will talk in this regard with professor Yunus [chief adviser to Bangladesh's interim government]."The uncertainty surrounding the World Cup coincides with a crisis within the BCB. President Nazmul Hassan has been missing since the fall of the Awami League government, and several directors with political connections are also untraceable.Mahmud has discussed the possibility of an interim body to run the BCB, but he emphasized the need for autonomy in the board's decision-making. "The BCB is an autonomous federation and we cannot give them any decision," he said.Former BCB general secretary Syed Ashraful Huq has called for reforms within the board. He criticized the lack of progress in Bangladesh's cricket performance despite gaining Full Membership in 2000. "BCB doesn't own a cricket ground, for instance. We lack in planning, and even when we have a plan, nobody has delivered on it," Huq said.The BCB is under pressure to address the travel restrictions and the internal crisis to ensure the successful hosting of the Women's T20 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place from February 10 to 26, 2023.

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has reached out to the country's army chief, General Waker-Uz-Zaman, seeking security assurances for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held from October 3-20. The tournament is set to take place in two Bangladeshi cities, Sylhet and Mirpur.The BCB's request comes amidst political unrest in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been closely monitoring the situation, as violent protests against the government have resulted in numerous deaths and the resignation of Hasina.The ICC has the option of relocating the tournament to a different venue within a similar time zone, with India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Sri Lanka being potential alternatives. However, the BCB remains hopeful that the event can be held in Bangladesh.BCB President Nazmul Hasan Papon and several other board directors, believed to have the backing of Hasina's Awami League party, have fled the country. However, other directors remain in Dhaka and are determined to keep the tournament in Bangladesh."We are trying to host the tournament," said Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu, chairman of the BCB umpiring committee. "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."The ICC has communicated with the BCB, and the board has responded that it will provide an update shortly. "After the (interim) government is formed, we still have to give them assurance of the security considering it cannot be given by the board or anyone else apart from a law enforcement agency of the country," added Mithu.The warm-up round for the Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to begin on September 27. The ICC will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh and make a decision on the tournament's venue based on the security assurances provided by the country's authorities.

The upcoming 2024 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, scheduled to be hosted by Bangladesh from October 3-20, faces uncertainty amidst political turmoil and the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The tournament's fate hangs in the balance as the International Cricket Council (ICC) closely monitors the situation.The ICC has expressed its priority for the safety and well-being of all participants, stating that it is coordinating with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), security agencies, and independent consultants. The matter of unrest in Bangladesh was raised during the ICC Annual Conference in Colombo last month, but it was not formally discussed.The tournament, which will feature 10 teams playing 23 matches over 18 days, is set to take place at two venues: Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka and Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. Warm-up matches will be held from September 27 to October 1 at BKSP in Dhaka.India, the defending champions Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, England, South Africa, West Indies, Scotland, and hosts Bangladesh will compete in the tournament. Bangladesh will host the event for the second time after 2014.The opening match will feature South Africa facing England, followed by Bangladesh taking on Scotland in the evening match in Dhaka. Australia will begin their title defense against Sri Lanka on October 4 in Sylhet, while India will open its campaign against New Zealand on the same day.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, scheduled for October 17 in Sylhet and October 18 in Dhaka. The Women's T20 World Cup champions will be crowned in Dhaka on October 20.The ICC's decision on the tournament's fate will depend on the ongoing political situation in Bangladesh. If the unrest continues, the event may be moved to an alternative venue.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is closely monitoring the political unrest in Bangladesh, which has led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Women's T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, and the ICC is adopting a wait-and-watch approach before making any decisions about the tournament's location.The unrest in Bangladesh stems from a controversial quota system that reserves 30% of jobs for families of veterans from the 1971 liberation war. The system has sparked fierce demonstrations across the country, resulting in over 100 casualties in the past two days.The ICC has an independent security monitoring system across all its member nations. The situation in Bangladesh is being monitored closely, but with seven weeks left for the tournament to begin, it is too early to comment on whether it will be shifted from Bangladesh.The ICC does have contingency plans for unavoidable circumstances. In case of a need to relocate, Sri Lanka could be an option, given that it successfully hosted the men's T20 World Cup in 2012.A critical question remains whether countries like South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia will send their women's teams to Bangladesh amidst the current volatile security environment. For now, the ICC continues to monitor the situation as the start date of the Women's T20 World Cup approaches.

Deandra Dottin, the explosive West Indian all-rounder, has made a sensational return to international cricket after a two-year hiatus. The 33-year-old, who retired abruptly in 2022, has expressed her eagerness to represent the West Indies once again, citing a desire to contribute to the team's success and mentor younger players.Dottin's decision is a major boost for the West Indies ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup in Bangladesh this October. With her vast experience and exceptional skills, she is expected to add significant value to the team."Representing West Indies in international cricket has always been a matter of great pride and passion for me," Dottin said in a statement. "I am confident that my experience, maturity, and skills will add value to the team as it has done in the past."Dottin's return comes after a period of reflection and dialogue with Cricket West Indies (CWI) officials, including President Dr. Kishore Shallow. She had previously expressed concerns about the "non-conducive" environment within the West Indies set-up, but it appears that those issues have been addressed.CWI has welcomed Dottin's decision, with Director of Cricket Miles Bascombe stating, "Deandra is a player of immense ability and experience. We are pleased with her decision to return to international cricket and be eligible for selection."Dottin has an impressive track record in international cricket. She has played 143 ODIs, scoring 3727 runs at an average of 30.54, and 127 T20Is, amassing 2697 runs. She holds the record for the fastest century in women's T20Is, a 38-ball hundred against South Africa in the 2010 T20 World Cup.Since her retirement, Dottin has been active on the T20 league circuit, but she has not played competitive cricket since September 2023. She will captain the Trinbago Knight Riders team in the upcoming women's Caribbean Premier League, which will serve as a warm-up for the West Indies camp in August ahead of the T20 World Cup.Dottin's return is a testament to her love for the game and her desire to make a positive impact on West Indies cricket. Her experience, leadership, and match-winning abilities will undoubtedly be invaluable to the team as they aim to achieve success on the international stage.

Sri Lanka's Chamari Athapaththu led her team to a resounding 68-run victory over Scotland in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup Qualifier in Abu Dhabi, securing their place in Group A of the World Cup proper.Athapaththu's blistering 102 off 63 balls, studded with 13 fours and four sixes, propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 169 for 5. She shared a crucial 106-run partnership with Nilakshika Silva (26*).Scotland's chase faltered early as they lost opener Saskia Horley to a run-out in the third over. Left-arm medium pacer Udeshika Prabodhani then struck twice in the fourth over, dismissing Sarah Bryce and Katherine Fraser to leave Scotland reeling at 13 for 3.Sri Lanka's spinners tightened the screws, with Priyanaz Chatterji (30) offering the only resistance. However, the Scottish batters struggled to keep up with the required run rate, eventually falling 68 runs short.Prabodhani finished with impressive figures of 3 for 13, while fellow spinner Inoka Ranaweera claimed 1 for 13.The victory marks a significant achievement for Sri Lanka, who will now face the likes of Australia, India, New Zealand, and Pakistan in Group A of the World Cup. Scotland, on the other hand, will be part of Group B alongside South Africa, England, West Indies, and Bangladesh.Both Sri Lanka and Scotland had already secured their spots in the T20 World Cup proper after defeating UAE and Ireland, respectively, in the semifinals.

The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is set to kick off on October 3 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a thrilling opening match between England and South Africa. The tournament schedule, released on Sunday, promises an exciting and competitive event.Defending champions Australia will begin their title defense on October 4 in Sylhet against one of the qualifiers. The highly anticipated India-Pakistan match, always a highlight of the tournament, is scheduled for October 6 in Sylhet.The tournament features 10 teams divided into two groups. Group A consists of Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and one qualifier, while Group B includes South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and the other qualifier.The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, which will be held on October 17 in Sylhet and October 18 in Dhaka. The final will take place on October 20 in Dhaka.Bangladesh, which is hosting the tournament for the second time, will be eager to make a strong impression in front of their home crowd. The hosts will open their campaign on the opening day against one of the qualifiers.The Women's T20 World Cup is one of the most prestigious events in women's cricket, and the 2024 edition promises to be no exception. With a talented field of teams and a packed schedule, fans can expect plenty of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.

Ellyse Perry, the Australian all-rounder, has been a beacon of consistency across sports, excelling in both football and cricket. Despite her impressive achievements, Perry remains grounded and focused on the present.After her remarkable performance in the Women's Premier League (WPL), where she claimed 6 for 15 against Mumbai Indians, Perry celebrated modestly with a chocolate brownie and ice cream. However, she emphasized the importance of maintaining perspective and not getting carried away by success."It's easy to get really carried away when things go well," Perry said. "But I feel like a lot of time you don't have that much control over things panning well or not."Perry's reduced bowling workload in recent times has not diminished her preparation. She believes in staying ready for any opportunity to contribute to her team."I have played for a long period of time now, so I have got a bit of a handle on how I need to prepare," Perry explained. "I do that keeping in mind that you are available if the opportunity presents itself to bowl in a game."With the Women's T20 World Cup approaching, Perry's performance in the WPL has raised questions about her potential role in the Australian team. However, she remains focused on her team's success rather than personal accolades."I don't think there is a case for anything," Perry said. "I have played a lot of cricket over a number of years. We have been pretty fortunate in the Australian team that we have a lot of options."Perry credits the positive atmosphere and leadership of Smriti Mandhana for Royal Challengers Bangalore's turnaround in the WPL."There's a really strong sense of calmness and people are enjoying themselves," Perry said. "Smriti has led the group exceptionally well."As RCB prepares for the Eliminator against Mumbai Indians, Perry remains confident in her team's abilities."The team, as a whole, has had more time together," Perry said. "The fact that we can take the field knowing each other and supporting each other has been great."