Bangladesh violence could affect women's T20 World Cup

The ICC has issued a statement saying it is 'closely monitoring' the situation in Bangladesh in regards to the upcoming women's T20 World Cup, as violence and unrest in the country escalated on Monday.

Bangladesh is due to host the women's T20 World Cup for the first time since 2013 in October. However, student-led protests in the country over the last month have erupted into violence, with hundreds of protestors reported to have been killed and thousands more imprisoned. On Monday (August 5), prime minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left the country, bringing to an end her 15-year spell in power. Army chief Waker-ur-Zaman announced in a television address in the wake of her resignation that an interim government would be formed.

What happens to the Women's T20 World Cup?

The violence and unrest has raised questions over whether the T20 World Cup will be able to go ahead in the country in less than two months time. An ICC spokesperson released a statement on Monday which said: "The ICC is closely monitoring developments in coordination with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), their security agencies and our own independent security consultants. Our priority is the safety and well-being of all participants."

The current UK government's foreign travel advice for Bangladesh advises against all but essential travel to the whole of Bangladesh. Over the weekend, the former Bangladesh government imposed a nationwide curfew, and internet access has been periodically cut off across the country. Railway services have also been severely disrupted. Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, protestors stormed the prime minister's official residence in Dhaka, with widespread looting also reported across the city.

Bangladesh women last played a home bilateral series in May this year, where they lost all five T20Is to India. The T20 World Cup is set to begin on October 3, with hosting duties split between Dhaka and Sylhet.

While the ICC has not commented on contingency plans should it be unable to go ahead with the tournament in Bangladesh, but other options to host the competition could include the UAE and India.

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