Women's T20 WC: Burj Khalifa lights up, ticket prices revealed
What's the story
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced budget-friendly tickets for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. The tournament is set to begin in just over 20 days. To celebrate this announcement, a spectacular laser show was displayed on the iconic Burj Khalifa. The video of this event was shared by ICC on their official social media platforms. Here we present the key details.
Ticket pricing
ICC announces affordable tickets and free entry for minors
The ICC has set the starting price for match tickets at just five dirhams (approximately Rs. 100). To promote the sport among younger generations, entry will be free for those under 18 years of age. This initiative is part of ICC's strategy to create a lasting legacy for the tournament, which is being hosted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Diversity appreciation
ICC CEO highlights UAE's diversity ahead of tournament
At a press conference on October 3, ICC's Chief Executive Geoff Allardice emphasized the UAE's diversity. He noted that the UAE represents the entire world, making this effectively a home T20 World Cup for all 10 teams. Allardice expressed his delight over the affordable ticket pricing and free entry for minors, hoping to attract passionate fans from diverse backgrounds.
Tournament structure
Women's T20 WC 2024: A look at the tournament format
The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup will include 10 teams in two groups of five. They will compete in a total of 23 matches over a span of 18 days, starting on October 3. The tournament format has each team facing the other four in their group, with the top two from each advancing to the knockout stages.
Team groups
Group division and match locations for the tournament
Group A of the tournament includes Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises Bangladesh, South Africa, England, West Indies, and Scotland. The 20 league matches will be held across Dubai and Sharjah. The semi-finals are scheduled for October 17 in Dubai and October 18 in Sharjah while the finale is set to take place in Dubai on October 20.
ECB enthusiasm
Emirates Cricket Board expresses excitement over hosting tournament
Zaid Abbas, a board member of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), joined Allardice at the press conference. He expressed his excitement about UAE hosting its first global women's tournament. "The Emirates Cricket Board is delighted to stage the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in the UAE," he said, adding that they have rich experience and a proven pedigree of hosting top-class cricket events.
Fixtures
India's match dates for the tournament
The Indian women's cricket team will start its T20 World Cup campaign against New Zealand Women on October 4. They then lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan on October 6. Their third match will be played against Sri Lanka on October 9. India then take on Australia in their final group-stage match on October 13.
Squad
India's 15-menger squad for the T20 World Cup
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Yastika Bhatia (wk) (subject to fitness), Pooja Vastrakar, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh Thakur, Dayalan Hemalatha, Asha Sobhana, Radha Yadav, Shreyanka Patil (subject to fitness), Sajana Sajeevan.