UAE to set a new mark in world cricket when they host ICC Women’s T20 World Cup

By K.R. Nayar
Reporting from Dubai

The UAE is set to make history in world cricket by hosting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from October 3 to 20. Despite being an associate member nation, the UAE will become the first among associate nations to host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the ICC Under-19 World Cup, and now the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The significance of this achievement is evident from the fact that the UAE’s international venues will have the distinction of hosting World Cups of both genders and Test matches. This honour is yet to be achieved by some venues even in the full member nations.

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice and Emirates Cricket Board Member Zayed Abbas along with Dubai Sports Council officials launch the  ICC Women's T20 World Cup 

The UAE previously hosted the Under-19 World Cup in 2014 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021, and now steps in to host the Women’s World Cup after it was moved from Bangladesh. In fact, the UAE’s contribution to world cricket as a venue in times of crisis is commendable. This country has ensured that international events and fixtures continue when unavoidable circumstances have affected full member nations.

It is also the only associate nation to have hosted leagues from three countries, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), Pakistan Super League (PSL), and Afghanistan Premier League. Additionally, the UAE has its league, the International League T20 (ILT20).


In this context, a media conference held at the Dubai Sports Council on September 11 (Wednesday) to celebrate the launch of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has huge significance. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice and Emirates Cricket Board Member Zayed Abbas addressed the gathering. Allardice’s announcement that ticket prices for the Women’s World Cup would be affordable for fans deserves a huge welcome. Tickets will start at just five dirhams, with free entry for those under 18 years. Fans interested in purchasing tickets are required to register at T20WorldCup.com.

Laser show at Burj Khalifa ahead of  the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 

The UAE proudly welcomed the Women’s T20 World Cup with a spectacular laser show at the iconic Burj Khalifa. Efforts are underway to ensure a lasting legacy for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. In his speech, Allardice highlighted why the UAE is an ideal host for cricket: “One of the exciting things about the UAE is its diversity. It’s a place where the entire world is represented! This means that this is effectively a home World Cup for all 10 teams, and players can enjoy the support of passionate fans. With that in mind, I’m delighted to announce today that tickets will be available from just five dirhams, and under 18s will go free."

ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice with Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board 

He also discussed the event’s legacy, mentioning that the ICC, along with the ECB and Dubai Sports Council, will organize Criio festivals, giving over 500 girls the chance to engage with cricket and enjoy their first experience of the sport. Allardice concluded by expressing gratitude to the ECB for hosting the tournament after it was moved from Bangladesh, saying, “I would like to thank the ECB and our friends at the Dubai Sports Council, as well as the teams at the Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium, for their extraordinary efforts.”

ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas 

ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas shared his enthusiasm about collaborating with the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). He said, “The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to stage the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. The ECB has a rich experience and proven pedigree in hosting top-class cricket, and we are once again ready to deliver another world-class event. The tournament will showcase the best women cricketers from around the world competing for the biggest prize in the T20 format. We are set to witness thrilling contests and brilliant individual and team performances in Dubai and Sharjah throughout the event."

Bangladesh cricket officials meet ECB Chairman Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan  to discuss  staging of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE 

Abbas also emphasized the importance of maintaining the UAE’s status as a top host: “The ECB will work closely with all stakeholders, including the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board, to ensure that participants and fans have a memorable experience during their stay in the country.”

Australian team celebrates on winning the 2023 ICC T20 Women's World Cup 

Exciting contests are expected from the ten participating teams. A total of 23 matches will take place over 18 days. The 20 league matches will be split between Dubai and Sharjah, with the semi finals scheduled for October 17 in Dubai and October 18 in Sharjah. The final will be held in Dubai.

Group A is particularly challenging, featuring six-time champions Australia, along side India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Group B includes Bangladesh, England, South Africa, the West Indies, and Scotland.

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