ICC Announces Revised Schedule for Women's T20 World Cup

Dubai - The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released a revised schedule for the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup, with Dubai set to host the highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan on October 6 and the tournament's final on October 20.

The decision to relocate the tournament to the United Arab Emirates comes after the escalating political crisis in Bangladesh made it untenable to hold the event there. Dubai, along with Sharjah, another host city, will now accommodate the rearranged fixtures. Sharjah will host another critical match between India and Australia on October 13, which will be the only league match the Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will play outside Dubai. Furthermore, if India qualifies, they are slated to play the first semi-final in Dubai on October 17, while Sharjah will host the second semi-final on October 18.

The groups remain as previously defined, with six-time champion Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka making up Group A. Group B comprises South Africa, England, West Indies, Bangladesh, and Scotland.

Each team will play four group matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The ICC has also planned reserve days for both the semi-finals and the final to ensure smooth progression of the tournament's knockout stages.

Before the tournament kicks off, a series of 10 warm-up matches will be held from September 28 to October 1, allowing teams to adjust to the conditions in the UAE.

This revised schedule not only addresses the logistical challenges posed by the situation in Bangladesh but also ensures that cricket fans worldwide can look forward to a full, uninterrupted Women's T20 World Cup.