Following the conclusion of the warm-up matches, the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup is set to begin in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today (Thursday). The tournament will open with a double-header in Sharjah, where Bangladesh will take on Scotland in the afternoon, followed by Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in the evening. The matches are scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM Bangladesh time, respectively.
The competition starts with the group stage, featuring ten teams divided into two groups, each vying for the two semi-final spots available per group. Group A consists of Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while Group B includes Bangladesh, England, Scotland, South Africa, and the West Indies.
Originally, the tournament was planned to take place in Bangladesh. However, due to security concerns following the ousting of the fascist Awami League government, the event was relocated to the UAE.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has more than doubled the prize pool for this edition, increasing it to $7,958,080. The champions will receive a substantial $2.34 million, and the runners-up will earn $1.17 million, marking a 134 per cent increase for both positions. For context, India received $2.45 million for winning this year's men's T20 World Cup, while South Africa, the runners-up, earned $1.28 million.
Teams eliminated in the semi-finals will each receive $675,000, more than three times their 2023 payout. Even those knocked out in the group stage will not leave empty-handed, as each of the 10 participating teams will be awarded a base prize of $112,500.
Defending champions and record six-time winners Australia, led by the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Alyssa Healy, are the favourites to win. However, inaugural champions England, former champions West Indies, a strong Indian side, and last year's runners-up South Africa are all expected to be formidable contenders.
South Asian teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan might cause a few upsets, particularly on the spin-friendly pitches of the UAE. Meanwhile, newcomers Scotland will be eager to make an impression.
Ultimately, the success of this tournament hinges on its ability to deliver high-quality cricket and attract a growing audience. Achieving these goals will not only justify the increased prize money but also set a benchmark for other major sports to emulate the ICC's progressive approach.
