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Australian cricket captain Alyssa Healy has voiced her apprehensions about the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to take place in Bangladesh. Her concerns stem from the ongoing political instability and humanitarian challenges that the country is currently facing, leading her to question the appropriateness of holding such a major sporting event in these conditions.
Ethical dilemmas in the spotlight
Healy expressed difficulty in justifying the decision to play in a nation where the local population is struggling with significant issues. She highlighted the potential ethical implications of directing international attention and resources towards a cricket tournament in a country that is in dire need of assistance. For Healy, the idea of competing in Bangladesh under these circumstances presents a moral conflict, as it could divert much-needed resources away from addressing the critical needs of the people.
“I’d find it hard to fathom playing there [in Bangladesh] at the moment, as a human being, I feel like it might be the wrong thing to do. That would be taking resources away from a country that is really struggling. They’re needing everyone they can possibly get in there helping people that are dying,” said Healy as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Trust in the ICC’s judgment
While deeply concerned, Healy acknowledged that the final decision on whether the tournament should proceed in Bangladesh rests with the International Cricket Council (ICC). She conveyed her hope that the ICC would consider all factors, including the broader social and humanitarian context, before making a decision on the venue for the World Cup.
“There’s obviously bigger factors at play than putting a cricket tournament on in Bangladesh at the moment … but I’ll leave it to the ICC to work out,” added the Aussie star.
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Australia prepared for any outcome
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the tournament’s location, Healy reassured that the Australian team is well-prepared to compete, regardless of where the World Cup is ultimately held. Drawing from their previous experiences in similar playing conditions, she expressed confidence in her team’s readiness to adapt to any situation. Whether the tournament takes place in Bangladesh or elsewhere, Healy emphasized that the team’s preparations have positioned them to face any challenges that may arise.
“Going there and getting used to those conditions and slow turning wickets has probably put us in a good place. It’s more about what our team looks like, and what people are working on individually headed into a World Cup on the subcontinent. Whether it is in Bangladesh, or it’s not in Bangladesh, I don’t think affects us greatly with the make-up of what we’ve got. We’re well prepared for whatever is thrown at us,” Healy added further.
