New Delhi
Australia’s cricket captain Alyssa Healy has expressed deep concerns about the upcoming T20 World Cup being held in Bangladesh, as the country faces severe political unrest. Scheduled for October, the tournament’s location is now uncertain, with the ICC considering relocation due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh.
The unrest has resulted in over 400 deaths from recent protests, primarily sparked by a controversial quota system that reserves public jobs for the descendants of freedom fighters. The situation has escalated to the point where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has fled the country and resigned. Amidst this turmoil, Healy questions the morality of hosting a major sporting event in Bangladesh at this time.
Speaking to sources, Healy said, ‘It’s hard to imagine playing there right now. As a human being, it feels like the wrong thing to do. There are bigger issues in Bangladesh that need attention more than a cricket tournament.’
Bangladesh is currently on Australia’s do-not-travel list, further complicating the situation. Healy highlighted the ethical dilemma, pointing out that holding the tournament could divert critical resources from a country in crisis. ‘They need all the help they can get for those who are suffering. It feels wrong to take resources away from that,’ she added.
The ICC is expected to decide soon, with the UAE and Zimbabwe emerging as possible alternative locations. Despite the uncertainty, Australia is moving forward with its tournament preparations, set to announce their squad next Monday. However, Healy remains hopeful that the experience gained from their earlier tour to Bangladesh will be valuable, regardless of where the tournament takes place.
