Due to political instability, the Women's T20 World Cup has been relocated from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. Although the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) retains the hosting rights, the tournament will now take place on UAE soil. England captain Heather Knight believes that the World Cup would have attracted a larger audience if held in Bangladesh.
Knight expressed her disappointment that the Bangladesh team will not have the opportunity to play the Women's T20 World Cup on home soil. Despite the similarities in conditions between the UAE and Bangladesh, she noted that playing at home always provides an extra advantage.
She remarked that the situation will be different, as there would have been significantly more spectators in Bangladesh. Reflecting on her experience playing there in 2014, she recalled the large crowds, especially in Sylhet. The team had become accustomed to having many people around, and while they will discuss this, she emphasised that it is a World Cup, and not much is needed to get excited about it.
Regarding the spectators, Knight mentioned that some players thrive on the noise from the crowd. Therefore, they need to be prepared for what lies ahead. She does not expect a sudden influx of spectators but acknowledged that there is nothing they can do about it. Safety remains the top priority.
Knight concluded by expressing her sympathy for the Bangladesh team, acknowledging that it is unfortunate they will not be able to play the World Cup on home soil. However, she believes that relocating the tournament was probably the right decision. The conditions will be slightly different, but not significantly so.
