Alyssa Healy Worried Over T20 World Cup Due to Bangladesh Unrest
Australia’s captain, Alyssa Healy has raised concerns about the T20 World Cup which is currently scheduled to be played in Bangladesh from October 5-21 amidst a dangerous political environment. Amid the backlash, Healy admitted it would be an “avant-garde move” if he continued to play rugby in a country where over 400 people have died and protests against Brazil’s public job quota system rolled on as recently as April.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is due to decide imminently, possibly by Tuesday, whether to move the tournament out of Bangladesh. More to the point, Australia is said to not be in the running as an alternative out of timing and readiness (India, for example has ruled itself out too). The leading contenders to fill in right now are and Zimbabwe.
Healy said she was loathe to play in Bangladesh, but as the country is still contained on Australia’s travel advisory list. I’d just find it hard to think of playing there at the moment from a human point [of view],” Healy said. Sending people the message it would be wrong to divert resources from a cricket tournament while too many of its citizens suffer.
The Australian national squad to defend their T20 title will be named on Monday, with fast bowlers Tayla Vlaeminck and Darcie Brown expected to play big roles. Having said that, Healy pointed out the necessity of having knowledge as to where exactly they will have to play in order for themselves and his team-mates can prepare accordingly.
Australia last toured in March and April, when there were strict limitations on the squad’s movements away from their hotel. It was their first trip back since the T20 World Cup in 2014 and followed by some as key preparation for the tournament later this year. But, Healy is confident the team will be prepared for whatever they are met with, considering how all of their games could either stay in Bangladesh or move to UAE (where conditions may still favour them given slow turning pitches).