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Bidding to attract bigger crowds for top-flight women's cricket, the ICC has decided on free entry for anyone below 18 years of age during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE for which prices of tickets will start from 5 Dirhams (Rs 115 approximately).
The 10-team tournament, to be held from October 3-20, will feature 23 matches spread across the 18 days.
The 20 league matches will be split between Dubai and Sharjah with the semi-finals slated for Dubai and Sharjah on October 17 and 18 respectively. The final will be played in Dubai.
ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice announced that lowest ticket denomination will be 5 Dirhams along with free entry for all those under 18 years of age.
The decision was taken as a part of an initiative to leave a legacy of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, the first global women's cricket event to be held in the region.
"One of the exciting things about the UAE is its diversity. It's a place where the entire world is represented! This means that this is effectively a home World Cup for all 10 teams and players can enjoy the support of passionate fans," Allardice said in a media statement.
"With that in mind, I'm delighted to announce today that tickets will be available from just five dirhams and under 18s will go free.
"We will also be working with the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) and the Dubai Sports Council on the legacy of the event.
"I would like to thank the ECB and our friends at the Dubai Sports Council as well as the teams at the Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Stadium for their extraordinary efforts," added Allardice, who also released a video of a spectacular laser show on the tournament at the iconic Burj Khalifa.
ECB Board Member Zaid Abbas said they were looking forward to working closely with the ICC and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), the original host of the tournament.
"The ECB would work closely with all stakeholders including the International Cricket Council and the Bangladesh Cricket Board to ensure that the participants and fans have a memorable time during their stay in the country."
In the tournament, Group A comprises six-time champions Australia along with India, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, while Group B will feature Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies, and Scotland.