Dubai: In a significant move to boost accessibility and encourage youth participation, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled affordably priced tickets for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup, with costs starting from five Dirhams and complimentary access for attendees under 18 years of age.

According to International Cricket Council, the announcement was made by ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice during a media conference alongside Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Board Member Zaid Abbas. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to create a lasting impact from the first global women’s cricket event in the region, which will be held from October 3 to 20. Allardice highlighted the diversity of the United Arab Emirates as a pivotal factor in its selection as the host venue, noting that the UAE represents a global crossroad that essentially makes the event a home World Cup for all participating teams.

The ICC and ECB are also collaborating on various legacy projects, including criio festivals aimed at engaging over 500 girls in cricket, fostering a fun and inclusive introduction to the sport. Allardice expressed gratitude towards the ECB and the Dubai Sports Council for their roles in relocating the tournament from Bangladesh and preparing the local stadiums for the upcoming matches.

Zaid Abbas of the ECB echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the UAE’s readiness to host another top-tier cricket event. He outlined the tournament’s schedule, with 20 league matches divided between Dubai and Sharjah, leading up to the semifinals on October 17 and 18, and the final in Dubai. Teams from Australia, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland will compete across 23 matches over 18 days, promising a spectacle of high-level cricket.