Speaking on playing the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh, Alyssa Healy has expressed her concerns amidst the political unrest that continues to be around the country.
The tournament was scheduled to take place in October but Bangladesh’s chances of hosting the tournament remain uncertain as the International Cricket Council (ICC) continues to debate whether the tournament should be relocated, due to the violent protests resulting in over 400 people killed, that have been taking place in the nation.
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“I’d 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. There are bigger factors at play than putting a cricket tournament on in Bangladesh right now,” Healy was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
The protests in Bangladesh have begun due to a controversial quota system which reserved public jobs for the descendants of freedom fighters. With the situation escalating, the United Nations has confirmed that at least 65 minors have lost their lives. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also left the country and resigned to further add fuel to the fire.
Another problem for the Aussies is that Bangladesh is currently on the Australian government’s do-not-travel list. Healy on the other hand has also commented that hosting the tournament in the country could take away resources from people who are in need.
“They’re needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying. It feels wrong to be taking resources away from that,” she added.
The ICC is expected to make a decision on the tournament’s location soon, with the UAE and Zimbabwe emerging as the frontrunners to step in. Australia, due to its climate and limited preparation time, is not considered a viable alternative, while India has also ruled itself out.
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Australia continue to move ahead with their preparations for the tournament and their squad is set to be announced on Monday. Tayla Vlaeminick is among those who are in the race for a spot after her return from injury. Another name on the cards is Darcie Brown who is also expected to be available after recovering from a stress fracture on her foot.
However, the Australian selectors would like to have clarity regarding the tournament’s venue before they select their squad as they hope to claim a fourth consecutive T20 World Cup title.
(with Inputs from IANS)
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