Bangladesh set to host ICC U-19 World Cup next year

The Bangladeshi fans can now look forward to the U-19 WC after Australia and South Africa cancelled their tours

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Bangladesh would be hosting next year’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which is scheduled to take place from January 22 to February 14, 2016. The Council has shown faith in the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), but stressed on the need for a security plan that satisfies both the ICC and member countries.

“As part of this decision, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), working in conjunction with its government, will be developing an appropriate security plan that addresses all security risks to the satisfaction of the ICC’s security advisor, working closely with the security advisors for the other Members,” the press release said, after the organisation’s board meeting in Dubai concluded.

The press release has gone on to dismiss the speculations of a possible shift in the location of the ICC U19 World Cup, following Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa’s decision to postpone its tour of Bangladesh due to safety concerns for foreigners.

This should soothe the nerves of the people of a cricket-loving nation, who have been looking forward to the tournament. The Under-19 World Cup is the next tour that raised doubts among many in Bangladesh. But neither the ICC nor any of the participating nations sounded concerned about the tournament.

The BCB was awarded the tournament's hosting rights a couple of years ago and had already started preparation, particularly in revamping venues across the country.

Apart from this, the meeting has yielded other fruitful results. ICC also approved an increased allocation of $65 million as the prize money for the top ranked Test sides and for men's and women's ICC events during the period of 2016-2023.This represents a 41 percent increase in the total prize money paid to players compared to the previous eight-year cycle.

"In a decision to better reward the best performing Test teams, the board has doubled the prize money for sides that top the ICC Test Championship table each year at the April 1 cut-off date. As a result, the number one ranked Test team on April 1, 2016 will receive $1 million, up from $500,000 in 2015," the release further added.

ICC has also approved changes to the format of the Women's World Cup 2017 to be hosted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. This event determines the best team in the 50-over ODI format.

"ICC chairman N. Srinivasan led a joint session of the board and the chief executives' committee to discuss and identify ways to enhance the context and value of future bilateral cricket. The ICC's management will now consult widely in respect of many of the areas that were discussed before presenting recommendations in due course under the directions of the ICC chairman.” the release stated.