‘Wrong thing to do’: Aus captain on T20 WC in Bangladesh
NEW DELHI: Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has raised concerns over the ICC T20 World Cup set to take place in Bangladesh from October 3 to 20, due to the current violence and political instability in the country. Healy questioned the feasibility of proceeding with the tournament under such critical circumstances, citing the severe humanitarian crises that Bangladesh is facing.
The situation in Bangladesh has worsened following significant political unrest and violence, leading to the ousting of the government.This turmoil has caused numerous casualties and has placed a considerable strain on the nation’s resources.
In light of these issues, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly exploring alternative venues for the World Cup, with the UAE emerging as a top candidate. Other potential hosts include Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. A request for India to host the event was declined by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).”I find it hard to see a cricket event going on over there at the moment and taking resources away from a country that is struggling. They are needing everyone they can get in there helping people that are dying,” Healy told ESPNCricinfo. “I would find it hard to fathom playing there at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do. But I will leave it to the ICC to work out.”
Australian all-rounder Sophie Molineux shared Healy’s concerns, noting that players are being kept informed about the situation. “We have been [in] chats with Cricket Australia and they are doing a lot of work with the ICC, and we have got full faith that they will come up with the right decision for everyone,” Molineux said.
The ICC is expected to make a decision regarding the tournament’s location soon.
This situation leaves the cricketing world in a state of watchful waiting, as the ICC weighs its options in ensuring the safety and appropriateness of the tournament’s location amidst the ongoing strife in Bangladesh.